After four-and-a-half years as Perth Glory CEO, Tony Pignata has stepped down from the role, opting to return to Victoria to be close to family.
Pignata will vacate the role on September 30 following a transition period, with the club stating his replacement would be revealed shortly.
Pignata arrived at the club in 2018, overseeing the successful 2018-19 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign in which the club’s men’s outfit won the Premiers Plate, hosting the ALM Grand Final and falling just short of the Premiership/Championship double, falling to Sydney FC in the decider.
Pignata says the club is in safe hands moving forward, with Ruben Zadkovich and Alex Epakis in charge of the men’s and women’s outfits respectively.
“It has been an amazing four-and-a-half years and I have loved every minute of it,” he said.
“I want to thank Tony and Lucy Sage for giving me the opportunity to work at Perth Glory and also thank all of our Members, fans and sponsors.
“Your support has been unbelievable, especially over the last couple of years.
“I wish our Head Coaches Ruben [Zadkovich] and Alex [Epakis] and the players all the best for the upcoming season.
“The squads are developing nicely and signs are very good.
“I leave with treasured memories and Perth Glory will always have a special place in my heart.”
Club owner and chairman Tony Sage expressed his thanks to Pignata, commending the outgoing CEO for the “huge sacrifices” he made to ensure the club continued to operate smoothly through the height of the COVID pandemic.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Glory, I would like to sincerely thank Tony for his hard work and dedication over the past four years,” Sage said.
“The club enjoyed some truly historic moments during his tenure which will never be forgotten.
“Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony made some huge sacrifices in terms of being away from his family for extended periods and enduring numerous spells in home isolation and hotel quarantine.
“During this unprecedented time, Tony steered the club and ensured not only the continuation of the season, but also the well-being of the players and their families.
“As he returns to Melbourne and his family, we bid him a fond farewell and wish him all the very best for the future.”
