Melbourne United appoint new club Chairperson

After four years, current Chairperson Simon Hupfeld has made the decision to relinquish the role to focus on his business interests, with long-time passionate supporter Mike Symons set to take over.

This will not be the first time Symons has stepped into this sort of role, having spent eight years as Chair of the Melbourne Racing Club, as well as other long-term involvements in boards across various industries.

Aligning with our club values, Symons is also committed to using his wide range of relationships across Melbourne's corporate landscape to help promote and champion diversity and inclusion.

The move comes after the club conducted a broad search throughout the offseason, which resulted in Symons being identified as the best candidate for the position.

One of the club's ELEVATE partners, Symons has a keen interest in what can help achieve the most success off the court, while also wanting to see our stars shine on the court.

“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of Melbourne United and eagerly look forward to working alongside the owners and with the talented executive team led by CEO, Nick Truelson,” Symons said. “With basketball’s popularity and participation on the rise domestically, Melbourne United is uniquely placed to accelerate its impressive growth trajectory whilst continuing to be a dominant force on court as well as helping to shape and grow the game locally. I’m excited by the opportunities that lie ahead of our great club”

The club would like to thank Simon Hupfeld for his unwavering leadership and support across the last three seasons, which has seen the organisation experience massive growth in nearly every area.

Melbourne United CEO Nick Truelson said the club would not be in the strong position it is in today without Hupfeld’s hard work across his tenure.

"My time at the club aligned with Simon's time as Chairperson and I can honestly say that I couldn't have had a better person to work alongside for the past three seasons," he continued.

"He has been instrumental in helping drive the club's purpose, values, culture and strategy coming out of the pandemic and will continue to play a huge role in helping the club move forward as a member of our ownership group. 

“All of us at the club are excited to welcome Mike on board and we look forward to working alongside Mike to help us take the next step in our growth trajectory."

Hupfeld, who also operates as the CEO of AMES Australasia, thanked the club’s supporters and staff for their steadfast support across his time as Chairperson.

“It's been a privilege to represent my fellow owners and the board as Chairman of Melbourne United for the past four years and share my sincere thanks to the many people across the club and league who supported me over this time.

“I'd also like to welcome and thank Mike Symons for taking on the role and am excited by the impact he will have on our organisation.  Our club is on a great trajectory under the outstanding leadership of Nick, Dean, CG and their respective teams, and I leave the role with absolute confidence that we will continue to successfully execute our strategies both on and off the court.  

“I look forward to continuing to support the club as a part-owner, board member and sponsor, and of course cheering on the mighty Melbourne United with my family this season.”