Ron Coote’s resignation from the National Board and Stephen Martin’s appointment as Chairman

Mr Ron Coote AM has announced he has resigned from the National Board and from the role of Chairman at today’s Men of League Foundation Annual General Meeting. Mr Coote was a founder of the Foundation 15 years ago and he will now remain as Honorary President, a unique position in the organisation created to recognise Mr Coote’s extraordinary devotion and leadership and to ensure his continued high profile representation of the Foundation.

“As a Board we have had succession plans in place for some time and I feel strongly that, at the 15 year mark, it is time for me to play a different role in the Foundation I love so much. The board’s decision to ask me to remain vitally involved in the Foundation as Honorary President is one that allows me to continue to spread the word in the years ahead,” said Mr Coote.

“I am delighted to announce that the new Chairman, effective immediately, is Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin who has been an outstanding contributor as a Director of the Foundation for the past two years. Most recently Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and currently Chairman of the Bank of China (Australia) Ltd, Stephen also has experience and impressive qualifications in the areas of politics (21st Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives) and academia (President, Pro and Deputy Vice Chancellor). He is a rugby league man through and through having been a Director of the former Illawarra Steelers and a grade referee and is a great student of the game.”

Professor Martin said he was humbled to follow in the footsteps of Mr Coote.

“Ron has dedicated himself to the cause of the Foundation, and to be elected by my fellow directors to carry on his great work is both a challenge and a privilege. He has set incredibly high standards but I am committed to build on his great legacy,” Professor Martin said.

“All other Directors due for re-election were warmly endorsed, so our organisation remains in the best of hands under Stephen and the board’s guidance. I am delighted to also announce that our Gala Dinner on 26 July this year will be a formal celebration of my transition to Honorary President and a great chance to look back on the fabulous achievements of the Men of League Foundation during the last 15 years,” concluded Mr Coote.