Irvine, involved in thoroughbred breeding, property investment, 5-star service consultancy and retail, was voted in at the Sharks board meeting on Tuesday night, after Pierce stepped down.

The appointment of Irvine follows the recent appointments of chief executive Richard Fisk and new board members Ricky Surace, Paul Walker and Craig Douglas, since the controversies which have dogged the club over the past three months.

Irvine, who was recently elected to the Sharks Board as Vice Chairman by members, said it was a role that "bears much responsibility.''

"I made the decision to stand at the election because I didnt want to be a sideline critic. I felt I needed to either have a go, or forever hold my peace,'' he said.

Amongst the first objectives of Irvine and his new boardroom team was to make a commitment to transparency in all matters relating to both the board and club operations.

Of the new meeting, he said: "It is important during this re-building period for the club that all members have a voice and that it is heard,'' Irvine added.

Barry Pierce's long service stretches back nearly two decades, as board member before taking over as chairman in 1998.Pierce is a life member of both the Sharks Leagues and Football Clubs.

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