Highly decorated West Coast Eagles premiership player Don Pyke will become just the fifth Chief Executive Officer in the 37-year history of the club.

It was today announced that Mr Pyke would succeed long-serving administrator Trevor Nisbett after the club had completed an extensive national executive search.

A 1992 and 1994 premiership player who was last year inducted into the Hall of Fame, Mr Pyke also served on the board and has broad coaching experience, having served as an assistant coach at both West Coast and Sydney as well as senior coach at Adelaide.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of WA and has developed and operated a number of successful businesses in Western Australia, providing him with significant commercial management experience. 

West Coast Eagles Chair Paul Fitzpatrick said the Board was excited to appoint a CEO of Mr Pyke’s experience, character and credentials.

“We are delighted to welcome Don back to his spiritual home at West Coast,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.  

“Don’s football pedigree is outstanding, having worked as a senior coach, player and serving as a Board director at our Club.  He has also held a number of senior business leadership roles.

“His unique experience gives him unrivalled knowledge of all aspects of the Club’s operations, both on field and off.

“However, it is his knowledge of football operations that we know will prove invaluable as the Club builds on its strong foundations to once again experience on-field success.”

Pyke, a life member, said he was excited by the opportunity to return to the club where his AFL journey began.

“I am excited to be returning home to a club I love in the West Coast Eagles where I have such wonderful memories and am proud and honoured to be given the responsibility to lead the club forward,” Mr Pyke said. 

“This is a pivotal time for our Club, our people and our supporters to pursue excellence to attain success again. I am very much looking forward to working with everyone across the entire organisation as we build towards the 2024 season.”

Mr Pyke will formally commence on 15 January 2024, allowing for an orderly transition with Mr Nisbett. 

“I am delighted that Don has been given this opportunity,” said Mr Nisbett, who has been the CEO for the last 25 years. “I look forward to working with Don through his assimilation for as long as I am required.”