ABERDEEN have announced that software entrepeneur and former chief executive Dave Cormack has returned to join the club's board as a major shareholder.
The multi-millionaire led the Dons as interim chief executive from 2000 until 2001 and the Premiership runners-up announced on Tuesday that he has made a 'substantial investment' in the club.
Aberdeen-born Cormack, who sold software company Brightree for $800 million last year and is currently a board director at WebPT, vowed to bring financial support and expertise on his return to Pittodrie.
He told aberdeenfc.co.uk: "While I have continued to support and provide advice to the Club for many years, I'm honoured to be back on the board. Having sold our 500 employee healthcare software business last year, and set up the Cormack Family Foundation, I'm now in a place where I can offer both financial support and my time to the Club we all care passionately about.
"The Club's performance in recent seasons, both on and off the pitch, is a testament to how hard everyone at Pittodrie has worked. Having a team that is performing well and a Club that is debt-free is an enviable position to be in. But we must kick-on from here and fully exploit opportunities to increase revenues and our fanbase.
"The new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System that is being implemented right now will give us a digital marketing platform that will allow us to directly communicate one-on-one with both the 100,000 fans who follow the Club on social media worldwide, and every single business in Aberdeen and Shire.
"With my background in both business-to business and business-to consumer marketing, along with an extensive network of influential contacts in the United States, I look forward to working with the management team at AFC to explore some innovative ideas I've seen work stateside, to attracting American investment into the Club, and to seeking out strategic partnerships that will help AFC maximise its potential."
"I'm looking forward to working with the existing, strong leadership team at the Club, with whom I've already got a great relationship. Between us, and with the support of our fans, I'm sure we can get the Club into a position where increased revenues, an expanded fanbase, and a state-of the-art community stadium and training campus will position AFC well to exploit changes that evolve in European club competition."
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne added: "Running a club in the modern era is increasingly challenging and we will greatly benefit from having someone with Dave's expertise, experience, enthusiasm and commitment. He brings a new perspective along with an innovative approach and commercial acumen to help meet the challenges head-on.
"He will be a tremendous partner and sounding board for me personally, helping to reduce the financial pressures and bringing that level of financial and business acumen which used to be provided by Aberdeen Asset Management."
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