The Fremantle Dockers have appointed Chris Sutherland to the Club’s board of directors.
A foundation member of the Fremantle Football Club, Sutherland is the former managing director and CEO of Programmed, the Club’s co-major sponsor since 2009.
His appointment to an initial three-year term, which is due to start on 1 December, was ratified by the WA Football Commission.
Sutherland will fill the vacancy left by former WA Water Corporation CEO Sue Murphy, who is not seeking reappointment to the board after her five-year tenure as a director ends on 30 November 2021.
Fremantle President Dale Alcock said Sutherland was an outstanding candidate who will make a valuable contribution to the Club’s board.
“Chris’s skillset, background and enthusiasm will be a tremendous addition to the Club’s board, particularly given his strong focus on strategy, leadership, risk, culture and people including the importance of diversity and inclusion,” Alcock said.
“In his various working roles as a business leader, Chris has always been passionate about the safety and wellbeing of his employees and all people across the community - heading-up the development of industry-leading programs with great results.
“He also has strong capability and expertise regarding the development of the right culture, behaviours and decision making, which are ideal traits for our Club.”
Sutherland, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from the University of WA, was a founding member and inaugural chair of CEO’s for Gender Equity Inc (2012-2019).
Sutherland is currently a non-executive director with a number of ASX listed companies and is an active community member. He was Chair of the board of Trinity College (2011-2014) and is also a Life Member of the Booragoon Junior Football Club where he was president from 2001 to 2006.
Alcock also acknowledged the contribution made by Murphy, who commenced her tenure on the Club’s board in November 2016.
“Sue’s passion for Freo along with her intellect, wisdom and insight on a broad range of issues have been invaluable to me as President and her fellow directors as well,” Alcock said.
“We thank Sue for her outstanding contribution to the board and the Club.”
