The Sydney Swans today paid tribute to QBE Group Chief Executive Officer Frank O’Halloran, who announced his retirement after 35 years with the organisation.

O’Halloran was appointed Group CEO of QBE in 1998 and will retire on August 17 this year, handing the reins to John Neal.

Swans Chairman Richard Colless said it had been a privilege to get to know Frank.

“Initially the relationship was as a corporate partner but over time it broadened into much more than that, into a friend and a mentor,” Colless said today.
 
“It's hard to believe he won't be at QBE beyond August.
 
“Frank has been the one constant in our commercial relationship.
 
“He was at QBE well before the Swans even came to Sydney. His contribution on the Australian corporate, and the global insurance stages have been immense. There are doubtless people better qualified than me who will reiterate and elaborate on his achievements in that regard.
 
“What I can say unequivocally on behalf of the Swans however, is that his support for our club - commercially, personally, and indeed emotionally - has been extraordinary."
 
Colless said the partnership between the Swans and QBE was unique.
 
“When all the documentation and process is stripped away, it's about people - their integrity and their vision. Frank was fundamental to this remarkable relationship that transcends the commercial and is almost a spiritual association," he said.
 
“I hope he understands - and I'm sure he does - how we feel about him in return.
 
“Well played Frank."

Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ireland said he wished Frank, and his wife Rosie, every happiness in retirement.

“He has been a timeless leader of QBE and a fantastic friend to the Sydney Swans and AFL football,” Ireland said.

“As well as being Chief Executive of our Club’s Principal Partner, he is a passionate Sydney Swans supporter, and has truly immersed himself in our Club.

“Typical of this, was his recent decision to support the establishment of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, which provides AFL football development opportunities for over 450 young players aged 11 to 18 in New South Wales.

“Frank has regularly spoken about the importance of the cultural similarities between QBE and the Sydney Swans. Everyone at the Swans clearly understands that Frank was always a leader of QBE’s culture and therefore an extremely important person in respect to the enduring relationship between QBE and the Swans.”

In 2011, the Swans and QBE celebrated 25 years in partnership, with O’Halloran announcing a further five-year extension of the relationship.