Michael Brown resigns as Chief Executive of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust

Michael Brown, Chief Executive of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, has this revealed that he would be stepping down from the role in February next year.

The decision follows a particularly trying time for Brown as he commutes between Melbourne and Geelong to care for his elderly parents who are aged in their 90s.

Explaining his resignation, Brown advised “like many people, I find myself at a stage in my life where our aging parents are requiring more support and more of my time and now is the right time to give back to them.”

Brown first joined the Trust in 2016, after inaugural Chief Executive Chris Cochrane’s departure. He led as the Trust’s interim Chief Executive for six months, before signing a permanent deal in mid-2017.

Brown added “I told (then-Chairman) Steve Bracks that I would come down and help for two months. I liked it so much I ended up staying for two years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kardinia Park and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve.

“We have attracted more international events to the Stadium and have become a strong community partner.”

Brown has helped acquire new and varied sporting events to the Stadium, including Big Bash, NRL, A-League Soccer and the expansion into AFLW. He has also been integral to the push for more community events, such as the Festival of Sport and has worked to strengthen the relationship with the Geelong Football Club.

Brown has provided a finishing date of 15th February 2019 and has said he would work with the Trust throughout the recruitment of his successor.

Trust Chairman Michael Malouf commented "we accept (Michael’s) offer to help transition the business into new leadership. It is a credit to his integrity and dedication that he has made this decision.

“The Trust acknowledges this is a great loss for our business, however family must always come first and we understand and respect Michael’s decision.

“The Trust will meet to discuss a succession plan in due course.”