DJR recruits former AFL coach as CEO
The Shell V-Power Racing Team has signed David Noble as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Noble has been a prominent figure in AFL circles for over 20 years.
Most recently, Noble was head coach of North Melbourne.
Noble previously had sports administration and coaching experience at the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions.
The team also announced that, as part of the restructure, Dr Ryan Story, will step down from day-to-day running of the business.
Story is currently the Executive Chairman, but will remain the Non-Executive Chairman.
"It is fantastic to welcome David as the CEO of the Shell V-Power Racing Team, effective immediately," Story said.
"David has excellent experience in business and sports administration at the highest level and he is a perfect fit for this team.
"This restructure also means that I am stepping down from the day-to-day running of the Shell V-Power Racing Team.
Noble most recently coached North Melbourne
"[I] will remain as the Non-Executive Chairman moving forward.
"We have the perfect people in place who continue to lead on and off the track for the Shell V-Power Racing Team."
Noble spent a decade at the Crows, serving as assistant coach, list manager and head of football.
He then shifted to the Lions as its General Manager of Football, and oversaw the club’s return to finals football.
The move to North Melbourne followed, with Noble coaching the team in 2021 and 2022.
Tasmania-born Noble is a noted motorsport fan — notably, he attended the Adelaide 500 while with the Crows, and Sandown during his playing days.
He also "religiously" watched Bathurst the Sunday after the VFL Grand Final at home in his youth.
"The opportunity to work with Shell V-Power Racing Team in such a competitive industry is incredibly exciting and a challenge that I am looking forward to," Noble said.
"It is a privilege to be working in such a well respected and iconic business.
"I look forward to working with our staff and partner group as we embrace the challenges of being a successful organisation."
Eponymous team owner Dick Johnson paid tribute to Story, and was full of praise for the incoming Noble.
DJR recently welcomed new ownership
"I have sat down with David and based on all his experience and business acumen, I can’t think of anyone better to run the team day-to-day," Johnson said.
"Ryan has done an incredible job leading this team and getting it to where it currently is, and I know it is only on the way up with the people we have in place in the team."
The Noble signing is another key move in Dick Johnson Racing’s new era under Ralph ownership.
The Ralph family has become majority shareholders in the Ford squad, starting from January 2023.
Their interest will be held through the Melbourne Aces Baseball Club.
The Ralph news was followed by the team announcing it had re-signed Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale.
"To have such an experienced businessman in David join us here at the Shell V-Power Racing Team is incredibly exciting," Brett Ralph said.
"All of David’s experience at the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions will only benefit everyone here and continue the great work that is happening on and off the track.
"2023 is set to be an incredibly exciting time for the Shell V-Power Racing Team."
