The Chief Executive of the Gold Coast SUNS Andrew Travis today announced his resignation from the position.

Travis joined the SUNS in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer, with a key part of his role to deliver Metricon Stadium, and in 2015 was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

“I have been here at the SUNS for over seven years, originally joining the club on a three-year contract to deliver a new Stadium.

“The journey over this time has been a wonderful experience – I was at the club in the sheds before the good sheds came, and have been part of building the club from the ground up.

“The five years as COO and two and half as CEO has been tough but rewarding and I’m looking forward to taking a break before my next challenge.”

“I will always be proud of the work we have done to deliver Metricon Stadium – a great asset for the club, but broader than that – a great asset for the Gold Coast and the state of Queensland. Metricon Stadium will continue to deliver for the Gold Coast economy and community for many decades to come.

“Moving into the new Training and Administration facility is a good time for the Club to look forward –and I feel that I am leaving the Club in a good position with a great platform for the next phase of growth,” Mr. Travis said.

SUNS Chairman, Tony Cochrane paid tribute to Travis’ contribution to the club.

“When Andrew took over as CEO, the club was facing considerable off-field issues, and many challenges on the footy field. He should be very proud of the changes to the culture of our club that he has overseen.

“Andrew also led the club during a time of necessary transitions for the club – he took over from our inaugural CEO, and over the last two years he has overseen the change from our inaugural coach and captain as well as my role as Chairman.

“But the biggest, and the best transition Andrew has led us through has been the move to the new home of the Gold Coast SUNS, perhaps the best Training and Administration facility in the competition.

“The two key pieces of infrastructure, being the stadium and the Training and Administration facility are the platform upon which this club can build its future, and Andrew’s fingerprints will always be part of those,” Mr. Cochrane said.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan thanked Mr. Travis for his contribution to the club and game.

“Andrew will always be associated with the establishment of the Gold Coast SUNS and has done a very good job over the last seven years establishing an AFL team on the coast and growing the game throughout Queensland.”

Prior to joining the Gold Coast Mr Travis held a variety of senior roles in sport and stadium management, including, Director of Infrastructure, Melbourne and Olympic Parks, General Manager, Operations, Etihad Stadium and Commercial Manager, Essendon Football Club.