Just days after their dramatic Hyundai A-League Grand Final win, Sydney FC have announced Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata will step down from his role after five years in the job.
Pignata joined the Sky Blues in June 2012 and has overseen a remarkable five years in which the club has doubled membership, increased attendance by more than 25% and tripled its turnover.
He’s been instrumental in securing long-term principal partner Webjet, bringing English Premier League giants Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool to these shores and helping to set up Sydney FC’s Academy.
One of Pignata’s most memorable achievements came when he flew to Italy in September 2012 to seal the contract of the Hyundai A-League’s biggest ever signing Alessandro Del Piero.
“On behalf of myself and the Sydney FC board of directors, I’d like to thank Tony for his service over the last five years,” Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said.
“He has done an excellent job in bringing stability and success to our club both on and off the field.
“On top of his list of achievements, Tony will be remembered for his enormous passion for Sydney FC and the game of football, and also for the fantastic rapport he has built with our supporters.
“I would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Pignata thanked Sydney FC’s coaches, players, staff and supporters in revealing his reasons for stepping down.
“I have had wonderful 5 years here at Sydney FC,” he said.
“I would like to thank David Traktovenko and chairman Scott Barlow for their support.
“To the board, staff, Graham and players it has been an amazing season and to cap it off with the double is the icing on the cake.
“I now look forward to my next adventure and will return home to Melbourne before taking a good break.”
Pignata’s final day will be Friday 2nd June.