Official club statement - Ribot to
stand down as Storm Executive Director

John Ribot has today announced he is standing down as executive director and chief executive of Melbourne Storm, but will continue to have a close involvement with the National Rugby League club.

Ribot said he has found it difficult to devote sufficient time to Melbourne Storm since taking on dual roles as executive director and chief executive, following the departure of Chris Johns in 2002. At the same time, Ribot?s other business interests have become increasingly more demanding.

News Limited is purchasing Ribot?s 25 per cent interest in the Storm, making News Limited the 100 per cent owner. Ribot will continue as a consultant to the club for five years.

Both News Limited and Ribot said the decision was not a result of the current police investigation involving two Storm players.

?It is a something I have been contemplating and discussing with News Limited for several months,? Ribot said.

?It is a sad day for me because I have become so emotionally involved with the club and its people. The supporters have been fantastic, their support and that of our corporate partners has been tremendous.

?The highlight of my involvement with Melbourne Storm has been the loyalty of staff and the lifelong friendships I have formed with them and our supporters. These relationships have made this such a difficult decision.

?The desire of News Limited to keep me in a consultancy role allows me to continue to commit to the Storm?s future. I believe the team faces its most exciting year and I look forward to contributing to that success through my consultancy.

?Melbourne Storm is the team I?ll always support, and whilst the challenges of this project have been difficult, they certainly have been extremely rewarding.?

Ribot was instrumental in establishing Melbourne Storm in 1998. In its first season, the club finished in third place, just one win behind minor premiers Brisbane. The next season, Melbourne Storm won the Premiership.

News Limited chief executive officer, Mr John Hartigan, paid tribute to Ribot?s role as a cornerstone of the club?s phenomenal success.

?John has quickly made Melbourne Storm one of the country?s most successful rugby league clubs,? Hartigan said.

?The Storm has built up a loyal following of supporters. John has spent his life in football and we are delighted he is staying at the club so the Storm can continue to rely on his experience.?

As well as his consultancy with Melbourne Storm, Ribot will continue to develop his other business interests in Australia and overseas.

Mr Frank Stanton will replace Ribot as acting chief executive officer until a replacement is found.

Mr Stanton is currently a senior News Limited executive advising on its rugby league interests. Mr Stanton has extensive experience in all aspects of rugby league and its administration.

He is a former chief executive officer of Manly Warringah rugby league club and was acting chief executive officer of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2001.

News Limited will begin its search immediately for a new Melbourne Storm chief executive officer.

For further information contact

James Avery: Phone (03) 9421 3222 Mobile: 0411 623 024 javery@melbournestorm.com.au