At board level Chris Fong - Bakrie Group vice president and Brisbane Roar director - has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Brisbane Roar board.

Fong will play a vital role in support of the management and football departments, working closely with the club’s senior management and the playing leadership group to develop all aspects of the club.

The appointment of Fong will allow current club Chairman Dali Tahir to focus on strategic matters, working alongside the FFA and Hyundai A-League ownership group.

With the recent establishment of the Joint A-League Strategic Committee, Tahir’s input and expertise will be more important than ever.

Tahir has 30 years of football leadership experience which has included FIFA appointments and his increased input reflects the commitment of the Bakrie Group to ensuring the sustainability of Brisbane Roar and the Hyundai A-League as a competition.

Part of the restructuring process has included a mutual parting ways with Michael Bowers whom has overseen the transition from FFA control to the Bakrie Group. 

With a demonstrated philosophy of promoting from within, the Bakrie Group has appointed the club’s Chief Financial Officer Sean Dobson to the role of General Manager.

Dobson will oversee the club’s operational management and has also been appointed to the board of directors.

Fong said Dobson’s appointment was another important indicator of the club owner’s commitment to maintain stability, even during a time of change.

“We are proud to announce Sean as General Manager and board member of Brisbane Roar,” Fong said.

Dobson joined the club prior to the start of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season and has played an important role in helping to develop a strategic financial plan for the club in that time.

With a financial career spanning nearly 10 years, more than half in key corporate positions, Dobson brings a wealth of business and finance knowledge to the role, along with his excellent personal management style.

Since his arrival at the club, he has played a key role in strengthening relationships with stakeholders including AEG Ogden, key sponsors and corporate partners.

Dobson said he was relishing the challenge of the new role and looked forward to establishing Brisbane Roar as one of Australia, and Asia’s, most stable and successful football clubs.

“I thank the owners for the trust they have shown in me in my appointment as General Manager and board member,” Dobson said.

“As Queensland’s sole remaining Hyundai A-League club we will be looking to ensure that Brisbane Roar represents the highest standards in football.

“It is our aim to garner support for the club from a wider fan base, while working to develop stronger relations with the local football family and corporate partners.

“Having secured a second consecutive appearance in the AFC Champions League we are also mindful of our responsibility to promote economic opportunities in Queensland to a broader regional audience.”

Dobson said he expected no other significant staffing changes as the club began the planning process for the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season.

All appointments will take effect immediately.