Brian Cook will continue as CEO of the Geelong Football Club until the end of 2020 after agreeing to a new contract with the club.
Cook, who served West Coast as its CEO before joining the Cats, will become the first person in VFL/AFL history to serve as CEO/secretary for 30 years when the calendar tips into 2019, surpassing the 29-year tenures of Bill Cookson and Frank Reid.
During Cook’s tenure at Geelong, the club has had numerous notable achievements, including:
- Growth and diversity of gross turnover from $19 million to an estimated $57 million
- Implementation and completion of multiple business plans, focusing on values based model and sound football and business practices
- The club has contested the finals in 12 of the past 14 seasons, winning premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011
- Raised $200 million in order to fund four redevelopments of Simonds Stadium. During that period stadium capacity has increased to 36,000 and world-class facilities for supporters and players have been built, enhancing the status of the stadium and the region
- Huge increase in the club’s community outreach, including the Deakin Cats Community Centre that has welcomed over 70,000 users since opening in 2013, 10 core community programs that educate youth about making healthy lifestyle choices
- Membership has risen from 19,971to the current high mark of 56,577 in 2017
- The on-going ‘Our Ambition’ program that has raised in excess of $16 million and will see the club debt free for the first time in 50 years
- The introduction of a women’s team for the first time, and inclusion in the AFLW competition for the 2019 season
Geelong Football Club President Colin Carter praised the work Cook has undertaken, and is looking forward to continuing the partnership between Cook and the Cats.
“Brian has demonstrated an outstanding leadership approach in his time with the club, and we are excited that he has agreed to continue in his role,” Carter said.
“To thrive as a CEO in such a tough and demanding industry for so long is an extraordinary achievement. Brian and his executive have a strong track record in delivering results for our members and supporters, and we still see challenges ahead that Brian will guide us through.
“Brian’s track record is second to none and in addition to on and off field success, Brian has implemented strong culture that continues to serve the club well.”
Cook is looking forward to continuing the journey as the club seeks even more success in the next three years.
“Geelong is a club like no other, and I am proud to continue in this role with the support of the board, management, staff and players,” Cook said.
“This is a special club, and everybody is looking ahead to ensure we continue to have success in everything we do. There will be challenges and we will work together to meet these head on.”
