OUTGOING Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin says his mantra of avoiding complacency was behind his decision to leave the NBL club after 11 years.

Marvin this week told staff he would be stepping down at the end of next month, capping a period that will go down as the most successful in the organisation’s history.

Under Marvin and owner Jack Bendat, the Cats claimed four titles – including last season’s improbable last-to-first championship heist – and virtually tripled their average attendance thanks to the club’s move to Perth Arena.

Marvin said he was eager to give himself a new test after helping consolidate the Wildcats’ status as Australia’s leading basketball franchise.

“What I ask of all my staff and players is you’ve got to challenge yourself – push the boundaries and dare to fail,” Marvin told The Sunday Times.

“I feel I’ve got to go try something new, something I haven’t done before.

“It’s a difficult decision, because I love dearly Jack and Eleanor (Bendat) and my staff.

“But you’ve got to make tough decisions in order to succeed.”

Marvin said the timing of his decision was helped by Perth’s relatively stable playing roster, with import slots and a replacement for Shawn Redhage likely to be the only changes.

While he doesn’t have a new role lined up, a shift to a different sporting code or a return to the corporate world loom as possibilities.

“11 years is a long time,” Marvin said.

“There’s lots of reasons – you don’t leave for just one reason.

“I feel at this time in my life, if I stay, I’ll have to stay for ever.”

In typical fashion, Marvin implored the club to rise to even greater heights in his absence.

“Four championships in eight years is something we can improve on,” he said.

“Let’s try to get four championships in the next four years. I think any other mindset is unacceptable.”

The club’s board will begin the process of finding a replacement in the coming weeks.