US-based software entrepreneur and investor, Dave Cormack, has today (13 June 2017) joined the board of Aberdeen Football Club.

Born and brought up in Aberdeen, Dave has made a substantial investment in the Club through the acquisition of shares.
 
A lifelong Dons fan, Dave will play an important role in a new defining era for the Club as it seeks to build on its strong on-the-pitch performance, to grow revenues from its robust financial position and to navigate through the planning, construction and fund-raising phases for the community sports hub, training facilities and new stadium.

AFC Chairman, Stewart Milne, welcomed Mr Cormack’s involvement. He said: “Running a club in the modern era is increasingly challenging and we will greatly benefit from having someone with Dave’s expertise, experience, enthusiasm and commitment. He brings a new perspective along with an innovative approach and commercial acumen to help meet the challenges head-on.

“He will be a tremendous partner and sounding board for me personally, helping to reduce the financial pressures and bringing that level of financial and business acumen which used to be provided by Aberdeen Asset Management.”

Dave is no stranger to Pittodrie having led the Club as interim chief executive while on a sabbatical from the States in 2000 until 2001.

As president and CEO of software company – Brightree, Dave led the phenomenal growth and subsequent sale of the business to New York Stock Exchange listed company ResMed for $800 million. He is currently a board director of WebPT, and invests in software companies alongside Boston-based Battery Ventures. He and his wife, Fiona, also from Aberdeen, founded the Cormack Family Foundation, a charitable trust which works with a range of charities and initiatives largely in support of young people and children around the world.

Commenting on his appointment, Dave said: “While I have continued to support and provide advice to the Club for many years, I’m honoured to be back on the board. Having sold our 500 employee healthcare software business last year, and set up the Cormack Family Foundation, I’m now in a place where I can offer both financial support and my time to the Club we all care passionately about.

“The Club’s performance in recent seasons, both on and off the pitch, is a testament to how hard everyone at Pittodrie has worked. Having a team that is performing well and a Club that is debt-free is an enviable position to be in.  But we must kick-on from here and fully exploit opportunities to increase revenues and our fanbase.

“The new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System that is being implemented right now will give us a digital marketing platform that will allow us to directly communicate one-on-one with both the 100,000 fans who follow the Club on social media worldwide, and every single business in Aberdeen and Shire.

“With my background in both business-to business and business-to consumer marketing, along with an extensive network of influential contacts in the United States, I look forward to working with the management team at AFC to explore some innovative ideas I’ve seen work stateside, to attracting American investment into the Club, and to seeking out strategic partnerships that will help AFC maximise its potential.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the existing, strong leadership team at the Club, with whom I’ve already got a great relationship. Between us, and with the support of our fans, I’m sure we can get the Club into a position where increased revenues, an expanded fanbase, and a state-of the-art community stadium and training campus will position AFC well to exploit changes that evolve in European club competition.”

RedTV | Interview with Dave Cormack- please click here to view