Leading finance industry executive Richard Fennell has taken up a position on the Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors.
Fennell fills a vacancy left by the retiring Andrew Payze who leaves as the Club’s longest serving Director after joining the Board in 2000.
A player in the inaugural Crows squad, Payze led the List Management Committee for many years and most recently sat on the Professional Standards and Integrity Committee.
Fennell is the Chief Financial Officer of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, a position he has held for the last eight years.
In addition to his finance role, he is responsible for the bank’s Group Strategy and Corporate Division which oversees many of the non-technology focused support areas.
Prior to joining the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank in 2007, Fennell’s career included stints in Melbourne and throughout Asia for PricewaterhouseCoopers, including as a partner of the firm’s Consulting Division, based in Hong Kong.
Fennell has been a passionate Crows supporter since the Club was formed and has served on the Finance and Audit Committee since 2014.
“I am very excited to join the Board and look forward to making a contribution,” Fennell said.
“I recognise strong governance and off-field support are critical to providing the best chance of achieving on-field success.
“I will use my range of personal and professional experiences gained here in Adelaide and abroad to help make the Club the best it can be.”
Crows Chairman Rob Chapman welcomed Fennell who is also a Director of the Helpmann Academy, which is a not-for-profit organisation supporting young artists as they transition from study to artistic careers.
“Richard is an experienced business leader who brings passion and a vast array of skills gleaned from the finance sector in Australia and overseas,” Chapman said.
“Our Club is in a strong off-field position and he will play a key role in building on the progress made in recent years.”
Chapman also paid tribute to Payze whose insights and leadership have helped make the Club what it is today.
“Andrew may be leaving an official role but he will always be part of the Crows family,” he said.
“His contribution as a player and then Director over a long period of time is nothing short of extraordinary and he has helped steer the Club through good times and bad.
“On behalf of everyone, I would like to sincerely thank him, his wife Sam and their daughters for the support and dedication over the years.”
Current Football Director Mark Ricciuto has also been re-elected unopposed on a two-year term following the recent Members’ election process.
New Board member Richard Fennell
