Western United Chairman Jason Sourasis has today announced that Chief Executive Officer Chris Pehlivanis has advised the Club of his resignation, which will become effective 31 December, 2023.
By the time he finishes at Western United, Pehlivanis will have served four years at the helm, having been appointed in August 2019 ahead of the inaugural A-League Men season.
Pehlivanis has led United to achieve great success in its infancy after steering the Club through a global pandemic in its first season.
In the following years, Pehlivanis has guided United through an historic period, winning an A-League Men Championship in just the third season of existence, gaining an A-League Women license and reaching the Grand Final in the inaugural campaign and launching the WUFC Academy to create pathways for junior footballers in the West.
Sourasis commended Pehlivanis on his achievements during his time as CEO.
“There’s nothing easy about starting a football club and Chris has been resilient, strong and adaptable during his leadership at United.
“He’ll go down in the history books of our Club as a pioneer that set the standards for ‘the Western way’ and led the development of our culture from the beginning,” said Sourasis.
Pehlivanis will be remembered by the Green and Black family as a fan-first leader who understood and truly valued the importance of football fans. His passion for the Club and willingness to do any task to grow and support the Club will continue to be felt.
Pehlivanis’ love for the Club and the people that have built it will remain strong forever.
“I came to this Club with a love for football and an understanding of what football can do for people – what it can do for a community.
“I know first-hand the effort everyone puts in to building this Club and how much it means to so many people – the players and football department, the admin staff, the fans that have shown unwavering support from the start. They all make Western United a very special football club to be part of.
“I will be passionately watching from the sidelines and wish everyone involved the very best for the future,” said Pehlivanis.Although the Club is saddened by Pehlivanis’ departure, it respects his decision to step down at this time and Sourasis ensures everyone involved with United that the transition to new leadership will be smooth.
“We want to assure our WUFC Members, partners and fans that we will do everything in our power to ensure a smooth transition to our next CEO and to maintain the high standards of leadership that Chris instilled in us.
“We thank Chris for his immeasurable contributions to our club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” said Sourasis.
The Board will commence the search for a permanent replacement immediately.
