Hawthorn has thanked outgoing Director Tim Shearer for his service to the Club following his resignation from the Board.

Shearer recently advised the Club of his decision to resign following nearly eight years in the role.

Hawthorn would like to acknowledge the terrific work that Shearer has done for the club, including his instrumental role in fundraising towards the completion of the Kennedy Community Centre. 

Additionally, he served as the Chair of the Club’s Foundation Board and Capital Campaign Taskforce, ensuring the legacy of the Club’s fundraising and giving arms has been led with strong governance and achieving key outcomes. 

Shearer will continue his connection to Hawthorn by remaining as Chair of the Club's Foundation Board. 

The Club would like to thank Tim for his amazing service to Hawthorn, together with the support of his wife Christine and their children Nick, Amanda and Eddie.

Following the resignation, the Club undertook a process to fill the casual vacancy. This included seeking feedback and recommendations from the independent Nominations Committee. The unanimous response from that group, and then subsequently supported by the Board, was that the Club appoint Tristan Sternson to the role. This initial, casual appointment will be subject to member ratification at the Club's next Annual General Meeting for a permanent position on the Board. 

Sternson has been well known among the Hawthorn faithful for some time. He is a 33-year member who has significant experience and success across the business, technology/data and commercial industries. Sternson has advised government, enterprise, and private equity organisations, and currently sits on the Swinburne University Advisory Board. The skills he will bring to the Board across the commercial, technology and innovation sectors will play a significant role in the future of the Club.  

Deeply committed to Hawthorn, Sternon is also a Director of the HFC Foundation, and is a Glenferrie Gold Life Patron. He has previously served on the Hawthorn Football Club Commercial Subcommittee and the recent Capital Campaign Taskforce.  

The Club welcomes Tristan, his wife Hayley, and their children, Nate and Carrie, on being appointed as a Director.