New BU nominee to the BFC board
Following the announcement of John McGlashan's resignation and the nomination by the Bees United board of Joe Bourke to the Brentford FC board we have asked Joe to introduce himself more widely with the attached profile.
From this you will see that he is an experienced financial specialist. The Bees United board believe that his skills and experience are needed to assist the Club to recover from its ongoing financial difficulties and to find solutions that are in keeping with the aims of the supporters' trust.
Joe Bourke
After leaving school, I qualified as an accountant and worked overseas for 15 years in the USA, Europe and Japan. In the States, I worked as Chief Financial Officer for a large hotel and property management group; spending several years working in corporate finance, principally dealing with work-outs of property loans on behalf of US financial institution clients and negotiation of hotel and property management contracts. In Japan, I was engaged as treasurer of an American/Japanese joint venture.
I came back to London in 1995 and settled my family in Brentford. The game had changed out of all recognition since I first left in 1980, with all seater stadium, the new premier league and subscription TV. It wasn't until I went down to Griffin Park one day that I really felt at home again.
My main area of expertise is in financial management, business turnaround and corporate finance. I would like to see the club placed on a firm financial footing and in the safe hands of Bees United, so that we can all go back to just enjoying a game of football without having to concern ourselves with whether the club will still be here next week.
I have served on numerous boards of directors over the past 20 years, both domestic and international, including large groups, small companies and Not-for-Profit organisations. I have been a fellow of the Institute of Directors and my professional experience includes tenure as a finance director, managing director and Chairman.
Life has become a little less hectic for me in the last couple of years and I currently run a small accounting practice providing audit, taxation and business advisory services to local businesses in Brentford and the surrounding areas.
I was the honorary auditor for Bees United in its first year and joined the trust board in November 2002 as a representative of Loan Note holders. I currently serve as one of the two lay auditors for BIAS (Brentford Independent Association of Supporters).
In June 2003, I was elected to the board of Supporters Direct, the national organisation for supporters, and currently serve in the capacity of honorary treasurer for that organisation.
The maintenance of high standards of personal integrity and professionalism have stood me in good stead whenever facing difficult situations throughout my career. I believe it is an approach that can serve Bees United well, as the trust strives to find solutions to the issues the club faces.
It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to serve on the board of Brentford Football Club. While there are many serious and daunting problems to be addressed to secure the club's future, the steadfastness of the club's supporters, in times of trouble, is the bedrock from which solid foundations can be built for the future.
Joe Bourke
Non-executive Director
Bees United and Brentford Football Club