North Melbourne’s GM Digital, Media and Communications, Heath O’Loughlin, will part ways with the club after 13 years, for an opportunity at the National Basketball League (NBL).
O’Loughlin is a highly regarded figure within the AFL and media industry, and a key member of the club’s executive.
He joined North in 2008 and has led a growing media team, which has been recognised with multiple industry awards.
“Heath is an integral part of our club and it goes without saying how much he will be missed,” North CEO Ben Amarfio said.
“The friendships and trust he has formed within the organisation and wider industry is a testament to the person he is.
“After 13 seasons, Heath was ripe for targeting and the prospect of a new exciting challenge in another sport, which is also very close to his heart, was inevitable.
“Heath has been an amazing contributor to our club. He has been a ground-breaker in media access and digital content creation, and a standout operator in the media relations area.”
A pioneer in the media and digital landscape, O’Loughlin was instrumental in re-connecting the club to its supporters after the club turned its back on a move to the Gold Coast. He also played a vital role in the club’s pitch for an AFLW licence, the facility development and ensuing redevelopments, debt reduction, record membership, broadcasting innovations and player access, and the campaign for Good Friday football - a tradition now in its fifth year.
“The North Melbourne Football Club and its supporters have given me and my family far more than we will ever be able to give in return,” O’Loughlin said.
“I have been so blessed to have worked for such an amazing, famous and proud club for the past 13 years and the friendships and memories I have made will last my lifetime.
“The people at North Melbourne have been, and always will be, its biggest asset and I am forever indebted to so many of them for making my workplace and environment so amazing and enjoyable.
“I leave with a heavy heart but I know the club is in great hands and its future incredibly bright. I’m also looking forward to the next chapter in my career and the NBL presents an incredible opportunity and is a fantastic organisation that’s on the rise.”
The club will work with O’Loughlin to find a suitable replacement in the coming months.
“On a personal note, I will dearly miss ‘Big H’. He’s not just a confidant, he’s a dear friend and a wonderful human being. I’m not sure who’s going to take the mantle of in-house champion for veganism and facial grooming but we’ll do our best to find an apt replacement,” Amarfio said.
“We wish him all the best in his new role and feel comforted knowing he will always be a true Shinboner.”
