With his successor Stuart Fox to set foot in his new office in the coming weeks, retiring CEO Stephen Gough will have much on which to reflect when he departs at the end of March.

The man affectionately known as ‘Goughy’ has been a forthright, popular and strong leader during a period of immense change and growth within the club. He leaves the club in robust health, and has played a vital role in the evolution of our mighty stadium.

Originally from Cooma in New South Wales, Stephen joined the MCC in 2000 after seven years as Carlton Football Club CEO, part of an 18-year association with the Blues after an earlier career as a teacher.

Among many highlights during 17 years at the helm, perhaps his most significant contribution was steering the $465 million redevelopment of the northern side of the MCG, which was completed in 2006, and the subsequent staging of the Commonwealth Games.

The project was a massive undertaking, and the complexities of meeting modern day patron expectations while ensuring member and stakeholder needs were met needed a capable and firm hand at the wheel. While there were many tense and challenging moments during that time, Stephen’s poise, calm demeanour and attention to detail ensured the work was completed on time and to high acclaim.

Securing the transfer of management of Yarra Park to MCC in 2009, and drastically improving the park amenity ever since, will be one of Stephen’s lasting legacies. As will the opening of the National Sports Museum and delivering new stadium technology, such as giant screen scoreboards and whole-of-ground WiFi.

The list of achievements is lengthy, and there were big events and record crowds aplenty. Thankfully, the difficult moments are fewer in number.

Those who know Stephen well will not be surprised to hear him nominate the Members Reserve lockout at the 2007 AFL preliminary final as the event that long afterwards kept him awake at night. The club underestimated the number of members wanting to see the Cats end a 44-year premiership drought and, critically, did not have a robust procedure to handle the scenario. It is a credit to Stephen that the problem has not resurfaced.

Stephen has instilled in his people what he refers to as a “can-do” attitude. This approach was best typified when the MCG, at short notice, pulled together under Stephen’s leadership to deliver the Tsunami Appeal cricket match in 2005 and Sound Relief concert in 2009. Both were hugely successful and raised millions for people in need.

Well played, ‘Goughy’.