AusLeisure

After 10½ years as Chief Executive, Shane Harmon has this week farewelled Wellington's Sky Stadium.

Exiting his role on Tuesday, Harmon took to social media to look back on his role at the venue.

Harmon recalled “as a team we can look back with pride at the range of events we’ve hosted. Concerts included Guns ‘N Roses, SIX60, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, AC/DC, Elton John, Queen and Adam Lambert, Eminem, Ed Sheeran and the upcoming Foo Fighters show.

“We built a life-sized replica of Edinburgh Castle, and hosted the Royal Edinburgh Military over four nights.

“We've hosted many rugby test matches including the British and Irish Lions in 2017 as well as all the men’s FIFA World Cup Intercontinental play-offs in recent times, those football magical nights when we felt like we were at the centre of the sporting universe.

“We’ve held two Super Rugby finals, including that wonderful night in 2016 when the Hurricanes won the title. And so many Wellington Phoenix memories; the Save the Nix Game, the Welcome Home Game, the women’s record breaking first home game.

“And then all the world cups; Cricket World Cup 2015, FIFA U20 World Cup 2015, Rugby League World Cup 2017 and our crowning moment; FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 when we delivered an almost flawless experience for fans and teams.

“As venue operators, we rely on event owners to bring their incredible events and shows to our venues, and we've never taken that for granted. We’ve enjoyed wonderful relationships with our hirers. I’m a huge advocate for the phrase, stop networking and start making friends. And I hope the friendships I have built will long outlast my time at the stadium. You know who you are!

“I acknowledge the Board of Trustees past and present, in particular both Chairs; John Shewan and Rachel Taulelei, for their enduring support over a decade, through great times and tough times alike. You never wavered and you backed the team and I 100%.

“Most of all I am proud of our team. We're a small team that rolls its sleeves up and gets stuff done. These aren’t easy jobs. Being in the heat of a major event brings its pressures. We have an enormous responsibility to ensure our customers have a safe experience. But we get an enormous sense of satisfaction from looking back at a job well done. And we’ve done that on so many occasions.”

As for his future, Harmon advised “I’m taking a break before taking on consulting projects in the new year, but the friendships and memories I've made here will last a lifetime.”

Harmon also stated “people are lovely.

“I was blown away by the amazing tifo and gesture by the Wellington Phoenix's active supporters, the Yellow Fever, for my last event and then again by our team this morning.”

Images: Shane Harmon (top) and farewell messages for Harmon from fans (middle and below).

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