Mark Quinn resigns as Northern Pride CEO

Northern Pride CEO Mark Quinn has stood down.Quinn announced late Wednesday he would leave the role in which he has served for the past two-and-a-half years.

MARK Quinn has resigned as boss of the Northern Pride rugby league franchise, saying the “time was right” to step aside and pursue new opportunities.

He has served in the role for two-and-a-half years, and despite last year’s COVID shutdown, said the club was in the best financial position it had ever been and was proud of the work he was able to achieve.

Northern Pride board member Michael Luck and Chief Executive Officer Mark Quinn. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

“Some of the best work is what's happening right now,” Mr Quinn said. “We’ve got the Pride running well now, and we’re in a position to give (coach) Ty Williams the resources to recruit a strong team.

“Even with COVID, we were able to do a lot of work in the community, and you’ll see some of that come out soon with work we’re doing up north in communities like Weipa.”

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He said the death last month of respected Far North businessman Ross Moller, with whom he worked closely at the Cairns Amateurs for years, made him take stock and ultimately made his decision easier.

Mr Quinn, who is the vice-president of the Amateurs, will take on a more hands-on role for this year’s event, and is considering other options.

“I thought long and hard about it,” he said.

“I’ve been involved in the Amateurs for many years and since Ross passed, I’ve looked at things a lot differently. It felt like the time is right.”

Mark Quinn. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

Pride director Pat Bailey said Mr Quinn had made a “very significant contribution and impact” in his time as CEO.

“He has provided outstanding leadership and vision through very difficult and challenging times,” she said.

“Mark’s financial and business acumen have allowed the club to be in the best financial position it’s ever been in and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Mr Quinn’s departure comes two-and-a-half months after Tony Williamson resigned as chairman.

He will leave the role in the next few weeks, with the Pride board to start recruiting for a replacement shortly.

“I am extremely proud of the great work we have done at the Pride,” Mr Quinn said.

“I leave with a strong sense of optimism of what the future holds for the club.

“The Pride will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Originally published as Mark Quinn resigns as Northern Pride CEO