Don Pyke drafted in as Eagles boss
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West Coast Eagles has found a new chief executive in former club player and Adelaide coach Don Pyke, who will take over from the long-serving administrator Trevor Nisbett.
The club confirmed the appointment of its new chief executive in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
West Coast chair Paul Fitzpatrick said the club was delighted to welcome Mr Pyke, who played for the team between 1989 to 1996.
“Don’s football pedigree is outstanding, having worked as a senior coach, player and serving as a board director at our club. He has also held a number of senior business leadership roles," Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“His unique experience gives him unrivalled knowledge of all aspects of the club’s operations, both on field and off.
“However, it is his knowledge of football operations that we know will prove invaluable as the club builds on its strong foundations to once again experience on-field success.”
The incoming CEO will start in his new role and take over from Mr Nisbett, who has led the club for 25 years, on January 15 2024.
“I am excited to be returning home to a club I love in the West Coast Eagles where I have such wonderful memories and am proud and honoured to be given the responsibility to lead the club forward,” Mr Pyke said.
“This is a pivotal time for our club, our people and our supporters to pursue excellence to attain success again. I am very much looking forward to working with everyone across the entire organisation as we build towards the 2024 season.”
After playing for the Eagles, Mr Pyke stayed on as a team runner and later became a director. He was made a life member in 2003 and became assistant coach in 2013.
He then went on to become senior coach for Adelaide before joining Sydney Swans as assistant coach.
Mr Pyke studied commerce at the Universty of Western Australia and was an accountant with EY from 1989 to 1994.
West Coast Eagles finished the 2023 AFL season at the bottom of the ladder, for the second time in its history, winning just three games.