East Perth Football Club announces CEO Dean Turner will retire after 12 years of service 

East Perth wishes to advise Dean Turner will retire from his position as East Perth CEO with his last day being 25th April 2025.

Dean has been a tremendous servant of the East Perth Football Club. Coming to the club as a 17-year-old from Capel, Dean played 110 games between 1978-1983 before being drafted to Fitzroy in the VFL. Dean and his young family moved back to Perth with the formation of the West Coast Eagles. Dean played 110 VFL/AFL matches between 1984-1990.

Dean’s final year of football was with East Perth in 1991 where he finished on 143 WAFL games including an FD Book Medal in 1981. Dean was awarded Life Membership of East Perth in 1999.

In his corporate career, Dean was a main driver in the landmark Carlton and United Breweries sponsorship firstly of the WAFL then of the WA, AFL teams. This sponsorship is the longest standing and largest sponsorship in WA Football and continues to play an important role for all WA clubs.

Dean commenced in his role as CEO in January 2013. Dean has applied his business acumen at East Perth with great success following an extensive corporate career with CUB and retail companies within the grocery industry to now see the club enjoy financial sustainability for the future.

Under Dean’s service the club has returned a budget surplus in 11 of those 12 years.

During his tenure the club has also enjoyed on field success reaching three League Grand Finals, winning a Reserves Grand Final in 2020 and winning the Wheelchair Football competition in 2021. Also, under Dean’s leadership, the club has established our female football program starting with a Rogers Cup team in 2021, leading to East Perth now competing in the WAFLW from 2023.

Reflecting on his time as CEO, Dean said ‘To serve the club as CEO for the past 12 years is something that has made me extremely proud and is something I will hold very dear for the rest of my life.’

‘I want to thank the club President Bronte Howson for his guidance, leadership and winning ways which made my job at East Perth the most rewarding of my 47 year long career.’

Dean also wanted to recognise the special efforts of his team ‘Many staff took on multiple roles and worked over and above hours which is required at a WAFL level.’

‘This has allowed the club to promote from within with many of its roles and bring to life the clubs future succession plan of the CEO role.’

President Bronte Howson said ‘Dean is one of the greatest Royals the club has had. As a player, sponsor and administrator, he is unrivalled in the service he has provide since moving up from Capel in 1977.’

‘Dean’s business acumen and leadership has seen the club through a time of transition which now sees it as a sustainable and competitive football club.’

‘The legacy of Dean’s tenure is the foundation he has built for the club to thrive for decades to come, along with the mentorship and guidance he has provided to many aspiring football players and administrators. Several of whom are successfully treading their own path in various careers.’

The club has been undertaking a transition in the CEO position for the last 12 months with the clubs General Manager – Operations James Sansalone being appointed as CEO by the board following Dean’s retirement.

‘James has been at the club since 2011 and has played a significant role at the club under Dean’s leadership.’ Bronte continued.

‘It is pleasing for the club to be able to promote from within. James carries the values and abilities needed to continue this club moving forward.’

James began at the club in 2011 after completing his Commerce degree. He is a familiar face around the club, learning from well-known administrators Marbles Wilson, Bill Forrest and Dean Turner.

‘It is an honour to be appointed to the position of East Perth CEO.’ James said

‘I thank the board for this opportunity. I would particularly like to thank Dean and Bronte who have guided and mentored me to be able to take up this position.’

‘We have worked hard to build solid foundations for our club to be able to continue to grow.’

‘Improving our facilities and growing our great game within our metro zone and district in the South-West are challenges the club are well placed to undertake.’

‘I look forward to continuing the hard work with our players, staff and volunteers in our pursuit to be the leading WAFL club both on and off field.’