The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have a new chairman following today’s official announcement that long-time stalwart Laurence Lancini is set to retire.

The Club’s deputy chairman Lewis Ramsay will take over the helm following the Cowboys’ inaugural home game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium against the Brisbane Broncos on March 13.

The new appointment comes as more than 850 special guests get set to celebrate the club’s season launch at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre today (Friday March 6).

Ramsay has worked in various leadership roles within the club for two decades and says he is looking forward to leading the club into the future.

“I am honoured to be appointed as chairman of the Cowboys, a club that holds a special place in the heart of the North Queensland community,” Ramsay said.

“I pay tribute to Laurence and all that he has achieved, and all we have gained from his leadership, strength and tenacity.

“I thank the Board for their endorsement and look forward to a very exciting future ahead for the North Queensland Cowboys.”

Lancini has been one of the most influential figures in the Cowboys’ history and club chairman since 2003.

He became the club’s seventh life member in 2016, also serving as a long-term board member of the Cowboys Leagues Club.

A humble but powerful force behind the club’s growth and evolution, Lancini hands over the reins with a heart filled with pride and optimism.

“I joined the club because I believed in what it stood for and what we could achieve for our community and region, and I’m immensely proud when I reflect on how far we’ve come, and where we’re headed,” said Lancini.

“This club has been a huge part of my life and I’ve been privileged to share the experience with exceptional people who have worked hard to deliver a shared vision for the Cowboys.

“The time is right for me to move on – we have the right people in place, a new home in Queensland Country Bank Stadium and our NRL Cowboys House is at capacity, all in our club’s 25th year.

“New stadium aside, our new Community, Training and High Performance Centre will be one of the most important developments in our future and I count this, alongside our 2015 Premiership, as a pivotal moment in our history.

“I am very content to be leaving the Cowboys in the capable hands of our new chair Lewis (Ramsay), our board and talented executive team and wish our entire team every success for the season ahead,” said Lancini.

Ramsay has a long association with the Cowboys as its Commercial Manager and returning as Board Director during his leadership roles with Brisbane Marketing and the Townsville Bulletin.