Gibson joined the Dragons in April after having previously led the Townsville based franchise for four and half years.

Gibson and Chairman Mark Cowan made the following statements:

Barry Gibson: "It is with some disappointment that I must advise that I have elected to step aside from my position as CEO of the South Dragons.

"In sitting down with the Chairman and reviewing the role it's clear that we have differing styles and that is a position I'm not comfortable with, so from that I believe it is in the best interests of both the club and myself that I step aside.

"The one thing I have learnt from my time in the league is that the club is always bigger than the individual and this situation is testament to that. The club did offer to extend my tenure in the CEO's role, but I have declined that offer.

"At the Chairman's request I have agreed to stay on for a further four weeks to assist the club in its preparations for the upcoming season and if there is a need to extend that time to ensure the club is adequately prepared then I will certainly assist where possible," Gibson said.

Mark Cowan: "Barry's statement is an honest and true reflection of the situation. Barry has done a great job in successfully pulling together all the behind scenes work required for an NBL club to get up and running and as Chairman I am extremely appreciative of his tireless efforts in getting everything sorted in the manner that he has. It's somewhat disappointing that he won't be staying on with the club, but I fully understand and respect the situation.

"Barry's acknowledgment that the club is bigger than the individual is testament to his character and from that I know everyone at the South Dragons wishes him well for the future," Cowan added.