Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Officer Shaun Mielekamp has announced he will step down from his position following almost nine years of dedicated service to the club.
Mielekamp joined the Mariners in May 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as General Manager of Commercial and Consumer Products at rival club the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Mariners Chairman Richard Peil expressed his thanks on behalf of the advisory Board for Mielekamp’s significant contribution to the club’s growth and development over the years.
“In my opinion, the Central Coast community have Shaun to thank for their beloved Mariners still being around,” he said.
“I honestly don’t believe it would still exist without Shaun’s dedication and skill set over the past nine seasons.
“On top of this, he is genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Mielekamp said he was honoured to have played his part in the history of the club.
“I am incredibly proud of the achievements that have been made over the past nine seasons where I have seen all the highs and lows that sport has to offer,” he said.
“I have achieved all I can for the club.
“This decision will help the club take the next step forward and reach new heights.
“Whilst this is a difficult time for me, I make this call with genuinely best of intentions for the club and the community at heart.
“Leaving the club when things are going so well was always something that I wanted to do.
“We are now playing in Asia again, we now have a women’s team that we are all proud of and most of all we have a club that has showed Australian Football just how important the Central Coast Mariners are and what we stand for.
“Winning the championship was special; and so was every win and every family photo that happened.
“I would like to pay special thanks to the Chairman Richard Peil and Mike Charlesworth, who I am extremely grateful for; without them our club would never have survived.
“Most of all I want to thank everyone in our Mariners family for your support over the years; members, sponsors, coaches, administration staff and players who have helped us build such an amazing culture.
“Anything is possible; we won’t back down and we believe.
“I look forward to seeing you all in Our Paradise cheering on the team from my new lucky seats next to my family.”
Following Mielekamp’s decision, the Board confirmed that Director and Chairman Richard Peil will be temporarily stepping in to the daily operations of the business as acting CEO for the time being, while the club undertakes a search for a new CEO.
Mielekamp will continue to work closely with Peil on the Mariners Advisory Board for the next 12 months in a paid capacity.
Peil will assume the transitional responsibilities immediately.
The Central Coast Mariners extend their sincere appreciation to Shaun Mielekamp for his dedication and leadership and look forward to the continued growth and success of the club.