Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane has announced he’ll step down in March after eight years in the role.
Cochrane joined the Suns board in 2014 before becoming chairman in 2016, but plans to hand the role over to Bob East.
The high-profile businessman revealed his decision via a letter to members on Wednesday.
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“I plan to step down in mid-March after our opening Round game against Sydney,” he wrote.
“I have been contemplating this long and hard now for the best part of the last six months and I believe the time is right. Stepping down after the first Round of the new Season follows on from taking over the Chairman‘s reigns from John all those years ago, after the opening Round.”
Cochrane said that, while “one part of me does not want to leave”, he believed “the time is right” for a change.
A renowned promoter in the entertainment and events industry, Cochrane provided plenty of flair during his time in the role, often an outspoken voice among his peers.
Cochrane has tirelessly defended the Suns against critics during the club’s on-field struggles.
“I have not a single doubt, our greatest times and achievements remain ahead, as they should,” he wrote.
“Now it‘s time for me to go to the footy and just enjoy it, take it in, barrack like my life depends on it and hopefully (with some decent umpiring, one can only dream) enjoy our collective journey to finals.”
