Peel chief resigns after work concerns
The chief executive at Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel has resigned less than a month after being grilled in internal meetings over his conduct.
Bill Kostandas tendered his resignation on Friday, ending his two-year tenure at Peel.
The decision comes after a series of meetings with senior club officials John Ditchburn and Bob Ryan on April 13 in which Kostandas was asked to explain concerns over his work performance and running of an external sports advisory business.
In a letter written for submission to Peel’s board, Kostandas defended his decision to register the company BK Business & Sports Advisory, saying the firm had not been actively trading and that he had not breached the terms of his employment contract. Kostandas had also been quizzed over allegations of misuse of a sponsored car and a lack of reporting over the club’s financial position.
“I trust my response demonstrates that there has been no misconduct on my part arising from the circumstances that have been verbally communicated by you,” he wrote.
The West Australian can reveal Kostandas last month requested in writing a $147,400 lump sum payment in return for his resignation.
Ditchburn said no major payout had been made by the club. Peel’s board is due to meet tomorrow night to discuss finding a replacement.
