MELBOURNE has appointed Don McLardy as its new President, taking over from club great Jim Stynes.

McLardy was joint vice-president with Guy Jalland under Stynes’ presidency.

The board has also appointed Peter Spargo as joint vice-president, joining Guy Jalland, who remains in his role.

McLardy played a pivotal role as acting president under Stynes’ tenure. Given Stynes’ health, McLardy often stepped up in the absence of the 1991 Brownlow Medallist.

McLardy was instrumental in the initial ‘Debt Demolition’ in 2008, and has since been a driving force in that campaign (now known as Foundation Heroes).

He has become a much-respected figure in the AFL industry.

And, although a life-long Melbourne supporter, McLardy became a close friend of Stynes via Reach.

McLardy, who has supported Reach for more than 10 years and is now chairman, has given Stynes outstanding support - both personally and professionally - since they joined Melbourne’s board in 2008.

He is also governor of the Jim Stynes Foundation, which raises more than $150,000 for Reach each year. 

McLardy has had a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry.

He is now managing director of McLardy McShane Insurance and Financial Services, a leading independent insurance and financial services business based in Melbourne.

McLardy has had a long association with Melbourne since 1997.

He has been involved in the Melbourne Executive Club/coterie, and also conceived and managed the annual Business of Sport lunch, which attracts more than 1,000 people each year.

McLardy was also president of Old Camberwell Amateur Football Club in 1982-83 and Hawthorn Junior Hockey Club in 2005.

He coached Glen Iris Junior Football Club from 1999-2007, and Hawthorn Junior Hockey Club from 2002-06.

McLardy is also a member of the MCC, Metropolitan Golf Club and VRC.

McLardy is married to Clare and has four children - all strong Melbourne supporters.

Spargo has also had a long association with Melbourne.

He was acting chief executive in 2008 and was on the Melbourne board before the Jim Stynes-led ticket took over in June 2008.

Spargo is managing director and owner of family companies associated in the oil industry. He is also involved in property development.