Wests Tigers have today announced that former New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell has been appointed Chair of the Wests Tigers Board.
The 43rd Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney from 2011 to 2014, O’Farrell is currently the CEO of Racing Australia and Chair of the board for the New South Wales Rugby League’s Foundation and Diabetes Australia.
A long-standing Member of Wests Tigers, O’Farrell will formally step in to the role as Chair in the coming week with Marina Go departing the club.
O’Farrell was first elected to the New South Wales Parliament in 1995 as the Member for Northcott, holding that position for four years before transferring to the Member for Ku-ring-gai in 1999. Becoming the Leader of the Opposition in 2007, O’Farrell was elected the 43rd Premier of New South Wales in 2011 with the largest margin of victory for a general election in Australia since World II and would hold that position until 2014 — announcing his intention not to stand for re-election and retired from politics.
In addition to his political career, O’Farrell has extensive corporate experience with roles on the boards of the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section, Obesity Australia, New South Wales Rugby League’s Foundation and Diabetes Australia.
Barry O'Farrell unveiled as Wests Tigers Chair
O’Farrell expressed his excitement to take on the new role as Wests Tigers Chair.
“I’m absolutely honoured to have the opportunity to fulfil this role,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Board, Marina and the shareholders for giving me this opportunity, and want to thank them for the confidence that they have clearly expressed to me.
“I’m committed to living up to that confidence.
“I know how dedicated and enthusiastic Wests Tigers supporters are; they’re some of the greatest fans across the game and it’s now my job to assist them to achieve the success they want for this club. This footy club and this game of rugby league is one of those things that I’m absolutely committed to and I want to do whatever I can to assist this club to win.”
The Board of Wests Tigers welcomed O’Farrell to his new position and extended their thanks once more to Marina Go for her tireless efforts over the past four years.
“The Board of Wests Tigers would like to formally welcome Barry O’Farrell to the club and share our excitement for the new journey that is ahead under his leadership.
“Barry is tremendously experienced and will bring plenty of knowledge and energy to his new role as Wests Tigers continue to move forward in this exciting era of the club’s history. This is a strong leadership team now for the future of Wests Tigers, and we will continue to provide the club with strong off-field stability and economic improvement.
“The Board of Wests Tigers would also like to recognise Marina Go once more for her hard work and commitment to the club. Marina has done a tremendous job since starting at the club in 2014 and has provided the club with strong leadership in her four-and-a-half years as Chair of the Board. We have no doubt that she will be greatly missed by the board, staff and all everyone at Wests Tigers.”
