"Today I’d like to share with you some news about a major governance change to take place at our club.
In October of this year my current term as president an director ends, and I advised the board some time ago that I would not be seeking another term.
Harris stepping down as Fremantle president
I’m still enjoying my role at the club, but in my day job I’m responsible for businesses in Perth, Melbourne and Auckland - and last year opened a new business in London which has me there for ten days every six or seven weeks.
My business time commitments, and a desire to spend more time with my wife Angela, and my two daughters, mean that it is not possible to continue to in the role as president and give the position the 100 per cent commitment it warrants and deserves.
The club’s new president will be our current vice president, Dale Alcock.
As well as being one of Perth’s leading and most successful business identities and leaders, Dale has been a member of the club since 2007 and a director since 2011.
Dale has led the sub-committee overseeing the delivery of our almost-complete $100million+ Elite Training & Admin Facility at Cockburn Central West and has been increasing his engagement with all areas of the club over the last 18 months in anticipation of this change.
During his time as a director, Dale has distinguished himself as an insightful leader, motivator and strategic thinker.
He and I share many views on governance and strategy, but he will bring a fresh perspective to our club, which is important.
Dale and I have been working very closely together over the past year to ensure that this is a smooth transition. A transition which has the unanimous support of our own board, and the support of the WA Football Commission.
Dale will take over at a time when the club is very well positioned and very positive about its future.
Notwithstanding our poor performance on field in 2016, I know that our club has the strategy, resources, people and culture in place to give our players and our members the best opportunity of achieving success.
Our foundations, our fundamentals and the key people are all aligned."
