Mr Clifford takes over from long-time Number One Ticketholder Peter Costello who recently informed the Club he would not be continuing in the role.
Mr Clifford will be the first appointed Number One Ticketholder under the new Club arrangements which will see the position rotated annually. The revamped position will see the Number One Ticketholder - among other things - host a Community Fundraising Dinner and a business networking lunch during the upcoming season.
“There are many Essendon supporters that can bring so much energy to a role such as this. We feel as a board this is an ideal way for the Club to engage with them for a period without them feeling burdened by the on-going requirements of the role,” Essendon Chairman Ray Horsburgh said.
Mr Clifford took over as Chairman of Qantas in November 2007. He retired from Rio Tinto last year after 37 years with the company.
A lifelong Essendon supporter, Mr Clifford said he was thrilled to take up the position of Number One Ticketholder for the 2008 season.
“I’m delighted to accept the Number One Ticketholder role and to follow such a committed Bomber as Peter Costello,” Mr Clifford said.
“I’ve been really impressed by what the Club is doing off the field and I hope I can contribute to those activities. I promise not to offer any thoughts on the team – just encouragement on the day!”.
Horsburgh said the Club was honoured to have a person of such vast business experience take up the position.
“Leigh is a high-profile and lifelong supporter of Essendon. We look forward to having him more involved with the Club and the board is most pleased he has accepted the offer to take up the role of Number One Ticket holder,” Horsburgh said.
“He is a highly–respected businessman and we know he can add greatly to this Club in this role, particularly in terms of the support he can provide the Club’s community programs and development of our business networks.”
Horsburgh also thanked Mr Costello for his extended service as the club’s Number One Ticketholder.
“Peter has been an exceptional ambassador for this football Club and we fully understand he has other things he wants to pursue in his life,” Horsburgh said.
“He will always remain an important part of this Club and we look forward to seeing him at the football this season and beyond.”
