The West Coast Eagles have announced a change at board level, but it's not the coach.
The club have appointed Elizabeth Gaines as the club's first-ever female Chair-elect. Gaines, a highly respected business leader with a prominent career at Fortescue Metals Group, will officially step into the role on January 1, 2025, succeeding Paul Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, who served the maximum nine years as a director, expressed confidence in Gaines' leadership, noting her deep connection with the club since joining the board in 2022.
Gaines, who has also been the club's Deputy Chair for the past two years, acknowledged the challenges ahead as the Eagles strive to improve after a difficult three seasons on the field.
"We are acutely aware that we have not performed as we would have liked and are committed to improving in all areas," she said.
Rowan Jones, a 2006 premiership player, has been elected as Deputy Chair, also taking office in January 2025.
His leadership will further support the club during this period of transformation, which includes the search for a new senior coach after Adam Simpson's departure.
This marks the first step in an off-season of change for the Eagles, as they continue to rebuild both on and off the field.
The club has appointed a new Chair of the Board of Directors.
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— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) September 17, 2024
โElizabeth was elected unopposed and we look forward to her continuing to build on the foundations that have been laid,โ current Chair Paul Fitzpatrick said.
โTo have someone of Elizabeth's calibre stepping into the position of Chair is another exciting step in the evolution of our club.
โElizabeth has wide ranging respect, not just within the mining industry, but across the business community more broadly. A passionate supporter of our club before joining the Board, she has developed an even stronger connection through her involvement on the Board.โ
