PAUL Bassat, co-founder of the world's largest online employment business, SEEK, has been appointed to the AFL Commission to replace the retiring Graeme John.
Bassat was appointed at a meeting in Sydney on Monday and will start in February 2012, a month after John's retirement becomes official.
It is the second change to the Commission in as many months after chairman Mike Fitzpatrick announced in September that Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder would replace the retiring Bob Hammond.
Goyder took part in his first meeting on Monday in Sydney.
Fitzpatrick said Bassat's experience with SEEK - he created the company in 1997 with his brother Andrew and Matthew Rockman and led it as joint CEO for 14 years - made him an ideal candidate to join the Commission.
"Given his business background and broader understanding of digital media and its implications for business and football, we believe Mr Bassat will add to the skills of the AFL Commission," Fitzpatrick said.
A sub-committee consisting of Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman, Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon, AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn and Fitzpatrick recommended Bassat's appointment.
"I am excited to be joining the AFL Commission," Bassat said.
"I am passionate about football and the importance of the game to the entire Australian community.
"It is a privilege to be appointed an AFL Commissioner."
Bassat is overseas with his family but will return next year and become a non-executive director of SEEK. He has also formed a private equity investment company.
Fitzpatrick thanked Hammond, a former SANFL player and inaugural chairman of Adelaide, and John, a 1966 All Australian and South Melbourne player, coach and president, for their services.
"Bob Hammond and Graeme John have made a great contribution to Australian rules football as players, coaches and administrators," he said.
"The AFL Commission thanks Bob and Graeme for their knowledge, guidance and commitment to the game."
Hammond was appointed to the Commission in 2001, and John in 2000.
