Sunshine Coast Lightning is delighted to announce Matt Tripp as the incoming Chairman of the Board, as the Club moves towards a new era of growth and increased sustainability.
The appointment comes after former Chairman Bart Campbell made the decision to stand down from the role, after overseeing the Club through unprecedented success during its foundation years.
Tripp brings to the Club a wealth of sport knowledge and strong business acumen, concurrently stepping into the Chairman role at Melbourne Storm – who co-own Lightning, alongside USC.
Joining the Storm Board of Directors in 2013, Tripp has helped lead the rugby league Club to a period of sustained sporting excellence, while safeguarding its future commercial viability.
“I am honoured to be named Chairman of Sunshine Coast Lightning. There is huge growth potential in the Super Netball League, aptly led by Chair Marina Go, and I look forward to working with the Board, Danielle (Smith, CEO) and the Lightning team to take this Club to new heights,” Tripp said.
“While Lightning’s identity is its own, I believe the consistencies between the Club and Melbourne Storm will allow for a seamless transition as I take over the Chairman role. Lightning is a values-based organisation that prides itself on professionalism, community and high performance and that will not change.
“As a Club, we’re confident that the 2020 SSN season will proceed, and despite the immediate obstacles and short term pain, I believe this Club can re-emerge stronger and more resilient.”
Matt Tripp has proven experience in corporate leadership roles, having until recently held the position of Chief Executive of BetEasy, he is also responsible for the globalisation of Sportsbet, acting as CEO during a rapid growth period for the company from 2005 until 2011.
Lightning CEO Danielle Smith strongly endorsed Tripp’s appointment and believes his experience and energy will be an asset to Lightning over the coming years.
“Having worked alongside Matt for many years as a Board Director at Storm, I can attest to his passion, intelligence and strong commercial acumen and we welcome him, officially, to the Lightning family,” Smith said.
“As we head into season four, there’s a real sense that our Club is entering a new chapter and I have confidence that Matt’s timely appointment will prompt new opportunities, connections and growth.
“The ongoing commitment from our partners, our loyal Members and the wider community in recent months has been strongly felt and will only reinvigorate and motivate us in the months and years to come.”
Earlier this year Lightning announced Principal Partners' Downer Group and Sunshine Coast Council had recommitted to the Club, solidifying a strong international, national and local portfolio of sponsors.
On court, Lightning has seen sustained success winning back-to-back Premierships, followed by a third consecutive Grand Final appearance.
Season four saw the promotion of Kylee Byrne to Head Coach, with all ten athletes re-signing to the Club in a show of faith and commitment.
The Super Netball League Commission will make an announcement by 31 May 2020 on the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season, in line with current government restrictions and health authority advice.
