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Ian Robson, Chief Executive of Melbourne Victory since July 2013, is to move to the same role at Rowing Australia.

Robson, who has over 25 year’s sports leadership experience, took on the Melbourne Victory role having resigned from the same position at Essendon in the wake of the AFL club's doping scandal, will leave the A-League heavyweights before Christmas to join Rowing Australia.

Commenting on leaving the A-League club, he advised “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Melbourne Victory and while it’s with some sadness that I move on, the time is right for me to explore another opportunity.

“I’ve derived enormous satisfaction from what the club has been able to achieve over the past four and a half seasons, both on and off the field.”

Prior to his roles at Melbourne Victory and Essendon, Robson had also been Chief Executive at Hawthorn FC, the Auckland Warriors and SportsScotland - where he was responsible for the development of Scotland’s national strategy of sport including high performance, fund raising and participation.

Announcing his new appointment, Rowing Australia Chairman Rob Scott stated “Ian has an excellent reputation in sports leadership having held a number of CEO roles in different sporting codes and countries. He has a strong understanding of high performance and brings exceptional commercial and stakeholder management skills that will be important for the future of Rowing in Australia.

“We undertook an extensive international search for the CEO role and we are delighted to attract an executive of Ian’s calibre. Our detailed due diligence and referencing reinforced why Ian has a strong reputation in sports leadership and is respected by his teams, athletes and other stakeholders for his passion, capability and integrity.”

Commenting on his new role, Robson added “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO of one of Australia’s most successful international sports with great potential. I am looking forward to supporting our rowers in the new High Performance Training Centres in Penrith and Canberra with their preparations in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I have a passion for high performance and team sports and Rowing presents a perfect combination of both. I am also excited by the Board’s vision to grow participation and develop broader commercial opportunities for our sport and rowers. Rowing is a sport for all ages and backgrounds including para rowing, coastal rowing and indoor rowing.”

Robson will leave Melbourne Victory on 22nd December and start with Rowing Australia in January 2018.

Melbourne Victory Board member Richard Wilson will act as Managing Director while the club searches for Robson’s replacement.

Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro thanked Robson for his contribution to the club in his four and a half-year tenure.

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