Damian Irvine

Irvine was born in Sutherland, southern Sydney, and attended Yarrawarra school, where he began a life-long affiliation with the Cronulla Sharks.

He relocated to Bathurst for his formative years, attending Kelso Public and the Scots School, Bathurst, where he represented in hockey, football, rugby, and diving.

He played football with the renowned Bathurst 75 football club and was a member of the 1992 dual first and reserve grade NSW football title-winning teams.

In 1993, Irvine joined Northern Suburbs Rugby and relocated to Sydney.

In 1993, Irvine joined the pre-opening team at The Observatory Hotel, part of the sea containers and Venice-Simplon Group as concierge.

In 1995, he was awarded the Premiers Service Award by Bob Carr for services to the hospitality industry before training in fashion and design and taking over Skindeep Clothing, a small tailoring and fashion business in Sydney, in 1996.

Under his guidance Skindeep Clothing became a multi-site men's fashion company specialising in custom-made suiting and costume production and design for locally produced and shot films such as The Matrix, Superman Returns, The Hard Word, Dirty Deeds, numerous television series and music concept and design work with acts such as Silverchair, Looking Through a Glass Onion for John Waters and Human Nature and the Bell Shakespeare Company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/great-returns-20090619-cp8w.html|title=Great returns|date=2007-09-13|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}

During his time as director of Skindeep Clothing, Damian lectured and mentored students at Sydney's renowned Fashion Design Studio at East Sydney College of TAFE.

His life-long support of the Cronulla Sharks saw Skindeep become long-term sponsors of the club from 1997.

Irvine took up an interest in Thoroughbred racing and breeding in 1996.

In 1997, Irvine founded the Acquiesce Group, a consultancy company.{{cite web|url=http://www.acquiescecorp.com/about|website=acquiescecorp.com |title=About|access-date=4 April 2018}}

In 2020, project band Socata recorded and released two singles that Irvine wrote and produced demo tracks for in 1994. Socata members are Irvine, R.E.M and The Posies guitarist Ken Stringfellow and The Posies Drummer Frankie Seragusa. The tracks "Fine and Dando" and "Nice Thing" were released during lockdown for the Covid pandemic.

In 2009, Irvine became chairman of the Cronulla Sharks NRL club when the club's financial position was listed as critical and media and brand damage around player behaviour and poor governance by the CEO, chairman and head coach attracted huge media interest in the failing club's future viability.{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/news/damian-irvine-takes-reins-at-cronulla-sharks/news-story/016e0da9bd0eba7243e2b719c811b081|title=Cronulla appoints new chairman|work=NewsComAu|access-date=2018-04-03}} A new board was appointed by Irvine and along with his financial director Craig Douglas and Keith Ward, Irvine won the support of the club's financiers St.George Bank to trade the club out of the large debt and year on year losses the previous directors had accrued.{{Cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/sharks-appoint-two-women/news-story/551e410912ed753d516821cc4d86164b|title=Herald Sun|date=29 July 2009|access-date=3 April 2018}} Irvine's commitment and commercial expertise attracted much-needed sponsorship and revenue to the club.{{Cite news|url=http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/309836/big-sharks-deal-born-in-bathurst/|title=Big Sharks deal born in Bathurst|last=Parker|first=Sandra|date=2012-09-08|work=Western Advocate|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/cronulla-sharks-poised-to-announce-fishermans-friend-as-the-nrl-clubs-new-major-sponsor/news-story/0a9d4e53c84d0211adccc45a787be9db?sv=b5d5766e9e1ace929bed8b3fdbd7cf92|title=New sharks Sponsor|work=Courier Mail}}

On 26 August 2012, Irvine's strategy of leveraging the club's property assets and savvy business management of the club delivered a property deal that cleared the club's debt and positioned the Sharks as a financial force for future generations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/salvation-in-400m-deal-for-cronulla-20121124-2a04c.html|title=Salvation in $400m deal for Cronulla|last=Lane|first=Daniel|date=2012-11-24|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/sharks-here-to-stay-as-300m-plan-gets-green-light-20120828-24yva.html|title=Sharks here to stay as $300m plan gets green light|last=Walter|first=Brad|date=2012-08-28|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}

In March 2013, Irvine stood down from his position as Club Chairman on learning of questionable duty of care and ethical practices applied by head coach Shane Flanagan and his staff. The decision by Irvine and his board to sack key management staff and suspend Flanagan on learning of their breaches of protocol and ASADA and WADA rules in 2011 was unpopular at the time and was made three days before the season opening match against the Gold Coast Titans, but was proven to be prudent and correct when long investigations by the NRL and government agencies subsequently suspended Flanagan from the sport for twelve months and sanctioned the other staff involved.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/30/forgotten-shark-former-cronulla-boss-damian-irvine-cheering-from-afar|title=Forgotten Shark: former Cronulla boss Damian Irvine cheering from afar {{!}} John Davidson|last=Davidson|first=John|date=2016-09-29|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/sharks-chairman-damian-irvine-set-to-quit/story-fnca0von-1226596138146?sv=ceaa8255a67f25959724a7b61efe3337|title=Sharks chairman quits club|website=Theaustralian.com.au|date=2013-03-13|access-date=2018-04-03}}

In early 2014, Irvine was approached to change codes and join English Football League club Notts County F.C. with the club facing relegation and nine points from safety.

He successfully restructured the club and was awarded the Best Club Marketing Award at the Football Business Awards 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/former-cronulla-chairman-damian-irvine-joins-english-football-club-notts-county-20140322-hvlka.html|title=Former Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine joins English football club Notts County|last=Proszenko|first=Adrian|date=2014-03-22|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2015/may/irvine-leaves-the-club-to-pursue-new-opportunities/|title=Irvine Leaves The Club To Pursue New Opportunities - News |website=Nottscountyfc.co.uk|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-gb}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2014/march/irvine-appointed-commercial-consultant/|title=Irvine Appointed Commercial Consultant - News |website=Nottscountyfc.co.uk|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-gb}}

Notts County under manager Shaun Derry performed a “Great Escape” retaining their league 1 status on the final day of the season away at Oldham.

Irvine joined Wycombe Wanderers FC in 2015 and was heralded as "the club's most significant and important signing on or off-field in recent memory" by then-Chairman Andrew Howard.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2015/july/damian-irvine-joins-as-head-of-commercial-activities/|title=Damian Irvine joins as Head of Commercial Activities - News|website=Wycombewanderers.co.uk|access-date=2018-04-03|language=en-gb}} Wycombe Wanderers were in a difficult period, having been taken over by a supporters trust after a period of financial instability.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/social-enterprise-network/football-league-blog/2012/sep/21/fan-ownership-football-club-wycombe|title=Fan ownership: how we took control of our football club|last=Clarke|first=Matt|date=2012-09-21|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-21}} Irvine delivered significant commercial partnerships including the first major EFL kit sponsorship deal with O'Neills,{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2016/may/oneills-come-on-board-as-new-official-kit-supplier/|title=O'Neills come on board as new official kit supplier|website=Wycombewanderers.co.uk|access-date=2018-05-21|language=en-gb}} a major shirt sponsorship with Utilita Energy,{{Cite news|url=https://www.footballtradedirectory.com/wycombe-wanderers-sign-away-kit-sponsorship|title=Wycombe Wanderers sign away kit sponsorship|date=2017-07-06|work=Football Trade Directory|access-date=2018-05-21|language=en-GB}} kit sponsorships with Cherry Red Records{{Cite web|url=http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/14746153.Blues_agree_sponsorship_deal_with_record_label/|title=Blues agree sponsorship deal with record label|website=Bucks Free Press|date=15 September 2016 |language=en|access-date=2018-05-21}} and Origin Global, extensions with Beechdean Icecreams,{{Cite news|url=http://beechdean.co.uk/beechdean-extend-wycombe-wanderers-shirt-sponsorship-201718-season/|title=Beechdean extend Wycombe Wanderers shirt sponsorship for 2017/18 season - Beechdean Ice Cream|date=2017-05-16|work=Beechdean Ice Cream|access-date=2018-05-21|language=en-US}} and other community and medical partnerships with BMI Healthcare and Wycombe Leisure Centre.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/commercial/partnerships/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923164121/https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/commercial/partnerships/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2017|title=Partnerships - Wycombe Wanderers|website=Wycombewanderers.co.uk|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-05-21}}

It was announced in February 2018 that Irvine was departing Wycombe after completing the club's five-year plan for commercial restructuring and growth, and the on-field target of Gareth Ainsworth's team achieving promotion to League 1 of the EFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17803357.bradford-park-avenue-ceo-damian-irvine-leaves-club/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) CEO Damian Irvine leaves club with 'immediate effect'|website=Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk|date=30 July 2019 }}

In 2016, Irvine was linked with the Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club as a potential director.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14944606.Irvine_linked_with_move_to_buy_Bradford_Bulls/|title=Irvine linked with move to buy Bradford Bulls|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=3 December 2016 |language=en|access-date=2018-04-03}} After an administration period Irvine was brought to Bradford by the RFL to assist the new ownership set up a competitive structure. Irvine joined the club full-time in March 2018 leading into the season which saw Bradford Bulls promoted back in the RFL Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://mascordbrownz.com/2018/10/02/mascord-meets-damian-irvine-bradford-bulls-consultant-via-leagueweekly/|title=Mascord Meets ... Damian Irvine (Bradford Bulls consultant) via @LeagueWeekly|date=2018-10-02|website=Mascord Brownz|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/16306668.amp/|title=Odsal to host extravaganza of sport on Sunday {{!}} The Bolton News|website=Theboltonnews.co.uk|date=21 June 2018 |access-date=2019-08-06}}

In October 2018, after an initial due diligence period, Irvine was installed to oversee the National League North Football club Bradford (Park Avenue) as part of a partnership between the Bradford Bulls and Bradford (Park Avenue).{{Cite web|url=https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/the-ex-nrl-chairman-s-foray-into-english-football|title=The ex-NRL chairman's foray into English football|website=The World Game|language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} that would investigate the potential of a multi-sport merger club .

It was reported by the organisations that Irvine's "Vast Experience" in both Football and Rugby would benefit the organisation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16982499.key-role-for-irvine-as-bradford-bulls-and-bradford-park-avenue-join-forces/|title=Key role for Irvine as Bradford Bulls and Bradford (Park Avenue) join forces|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=14 October 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} At the time Bradford (Park Avenue){{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16984714.bradford-park-avenue-announce-new-ownership-status-and-board-additions/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) announce new ownership status and board additions|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=15 October 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} owner Gareth Roberts{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/16031085.bradford-park-avenue-to-face-reality-and-return-to-private-ownership/|title=Football club to 'face reality' and return to private ownership|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=18 February 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} had advised supporters that he could, or would, no longer fund the large year on year losses the club was incurring, and that he needed a new strategy and direction for the club in order to make it sustainable.{{Cite web|url=http://nonleaguedaily.com/the-club-is-ready-to-go-up-in-depth-with-bradford-park-avenue-ceo-damian-irvine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528171214/http://nonleaguedaily.com/the-club-is-ready-to-go-up-in-depth-with-bradford-park-avenue-ceo-damian-irvine/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=28 May 2019|title='The club is ready to go up' – In depth with Bradford (Park Avenue) CEO Damian Irvine |website=Nonleaguedaily.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-08-06}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/bradford-park-avenue-announce-steps-to-future-proo-54788|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) Announce Steps To 'Future Proof' Club - The Vanarama National League|website=Thenationalleague.org.uk|date=12 January 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbulls/16190204.bradford-park-avenue-to-remain-at-horsfall/|title=Bradford Park Avenue to remain at Horsfall|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=27 April 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}

Irvine announced new sponsorships with Utilita{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17659565.utilita-energy-announced-as-bradford-park-avenue-shirt-sponsor/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) announce Utilita Energy as major shirt sponsor for season|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=23 May 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} and the University of Bradford{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17647180.university-become-new-shirt-sponsors-for-bradford-park-avenue/|title=University of Bradford become new shirt sponsors of Bradford (Park Avenue)|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=17 May 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} and appointed Player Manager Garry Thompson{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17655148.former-bradford-city-star-garry-thompson-takes-avenue-job/|title=Garry Thompson on why he jumped at Bradford (Park Avenue) job|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=22 May 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}} in a comprehensive restructure. It was also announced that new relationships with Upper Tier Clubs would be pivotal to the future of the club.

Manager Mark Bower credited Irvine with providing long overdue experience and improvement to the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17298143.bradford-park-avenue-and-bulls-man-irvine-proving-a-hit/|title=Good omens for Bradford as Irvine proves a behind the scenes hit|date=14 December 2018 }}

It was reported that Irvine's influence attracted notable loan signings to assist the club reach the playoffs including the signatures of Keane Lewis-Potter and Charlie Andrew from Hull City FC{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17537869.keane-lewis-potter-joins-bradford-park-avenue-on-loan/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) sign Hull City striker on loan|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=29 March 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-15}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17396894.bradford-park-avenue-sign-keeper-from-hull-city/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) sign keeper from Championship side|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=30 January 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-15}}

In late July 2019, Irvine left Bradford (Park Avenue) having ended his consultancy period with the club. It was reported that his brief on arrival was " To turn around Avenue's finances and it is understood the club is now in a more sustainable position".{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17804592.bradford-park-avenue-fans-await-news-irvine-departure/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) fans await clarification after shock Damian Irvine exit|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=30 July 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-08-06}}

In November 2019, Irvine was appointed as a director of Hunslet Rugby League Club with the club experiencing a period of financial hardship and having been placed in special measures by the sports governing body The RFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/damian-irvine-joins-hunslet-as-non-executive-director/|title=Damian Irvine joins Hunslet as non-executive director|last=Gordon|first=James|date=2019-11-06|website=Love Rugby League|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18024489.former-bradford-park-avenue-chief-damian-irvine-joins-hunslet/|title=Former Bradford Park Avenue chief returns to rugby league|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=8 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hunsletrlfc.com/general/hunslet-rlfc-announce-steps-to-future-proof-the-clubs-long-term-viability/|title=Hunslet RLFC announce steps to future-proof the clubs long-term viability |website=Hunsletrlfc.com|access-date=2020-02-11|date=6 November 2019}}

The club was subsequently released from special measures in late 2019 and the outstanding debt of £30,000 cleared. A strong period of player recruitment by Head Coach Gary Thornton saw Hunslet remain undefeated in the pre-season and progressing in the Rugby League Challenge Cup after a comprehensive first round proper victory against Coventry Bears.

In February 2020, it was reported the club would remain in full supporter ownership due to the re-established stability and financial performance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hunslet-hat-challenge-cup-batley-are-overrun-vikings-1394211|title=Hunslet in hat for Challenge Cup but Batley are overrun by the Vikings|website=Yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2020-02-11}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hunsletrlfc.com/general/hunslet-to-stay-support-owned/|title=Hunslet to stay supporter-owned|website=Hunsletrlfc.com|date=4 February 2020|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-02-11}}

In 2024 the club were promoted after winning the promotion final against Swinton lions to return to the championship for the first time in 10 years.{{Cite web |title=Hunslet promoted to the Betfred Championship |url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63191/hunslet-promoted-to-the-betfred-championship |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.rugby-league.com |language=en}}

In February 2020, Irvine was appointed CEO of Ebbsfleet United FC with the club under financial strain and in disarray facing relegation from the National League {{Cite web |url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/sport/amp/fleet-under-transfer-embargo-220886 |title=Ebbsfleet United under a transfer embargo for an unpaid bill |website=Kentonline.co.uk |date=2020-01-26 |access-date=2022-07-07}} Ebbsfleet were under a transfer embargo for unpaid HMRC debts {{Cite web |date=2020-01-25 |title=Fleet under transfer embargo |url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/sport/fleet-under-transfer-embargo-220886/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Kent Online |language=en}} and were on a losing streak under manager Kevin Watson having been dumped out of the FA cup at home by lower league Royston Town {{Cite web |date=2020-02-07 |title=Sutherland's Trophy drive |url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/sport/sutherlands-trophy-drive-221566/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Kent Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Three years on – interview with Fleet CEO Damian Irvine |url=https://www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/three-years-on-interview-with-fleet-ceo-damian-irvine/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Ebbsfleet United Football Club {{!}} Official Website of the Fleet |language=en-US}}

The club were relegated when the season was ceased due to the Covid outbreak.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-14 |title=Ebbsfleet call off relegation challenge |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53404991 |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

Irvine held an extensive search for a new manager to replace Kevin Watson and appointed Dennis Kutrieb in May 2020 {{Cite web |date=2020-06-02 |title=Ebbsfleet appoint Kutrieb as boss |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52889071 |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

During the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons, Irvine guided Ebbsfleet through a restructure and turnaround period.{{Cite web |title=Three years on – interview with Fleet CEO Damian Irvine |url=https://www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/three-years-on-interview-with-fleet-ceo-damian-irvine/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Ebbsfleetunited.co.uk |language=en-US}} Kutrieb and Irvine established a reputation for entertaining and pure football at Ebbsfleet United. Ground, food and beverage and commercial upgrades were made and, in April 2023, the club was promoted back to the National Division as champions, equalling the divisional record of 103 points for the season scoring over 100 goals and winning the league by a record points margin.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-07 |title=Ebbsfleet win title to seal National League return |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65216377 |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} {{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Ebbsfleet boss Dennis did it his way! |url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/sport/irvine-dennis-did-it-his-way-285286/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Kent Online |language=en}} {{Cite web |title=Three years on – interview with Fleet CEO Damian Irvine |url=https://www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk/three-years-on-interview-with-fleet-ceo-damian-irvine/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Ebbsfleetunited.co.uk |language=en-US}}

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Category:1974 births

Category:Living people

Category:Australian businesspeople