THERE is a new man at the helm of the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC).
Mr Paul Douglas Thomas, 45, has been elected president of one of the nation's premier social and recreational establishments.
The director at Hewlett-Packard took over the post on Jan 13 following the resignation of his predecessor, Mr John Kirkham, on Jan 6.
Mr Thomas, whose term will end in September, won the majority of votes when the eight elected members of the club's general committee met on Jan 12 to choose a new president following Mr Kirkham's departure.
Mr Kirkham had quit after several members tried to call for an extraordinary general meeting to vote on a motion of no-confidence against him.
Their dissatisfaction stemmed from the manner in which he managed the club's 600-strong paid staff.
Members were also unhappy that during his tenure, the club undertook large and costly projects that were seen as unnecessary.
For instance, a proposal was put forth to renovate a restaurant at the club's Bukit Location in Sime Road for $5 million.
The restaurant eventually reopened last month at a fraction of the cost.
The club has about 7,500 principal members and a total membership of about 18,000.
Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.
