AFL Executive Team Re-Structure / Appointment of Simon Lethlean
AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan today announced changes to his Executive team, including the appointment of Simon Lethlean to replace Mark Evans as AFL General Manager, Football Operations.
In a broad restructure of roles and portfolios, Mr McLachlan said the new 12-person structure and Executive would allow greater focus on delivering results for the 18 AFL Clubs, the investment in Etihad Stadium, the role of people development, new audiences and fans, and a clear commitment to women’s football.
The following additions have been made to the Executive:
Sarah Fair - General Manager, People.
Walter Lee - General Manager, Strategy.
Richard Simkiss - General Manager, Commercial.
Changes to Executive portfolios:
Travis Auld - Chief Financial Officer and GM of Clubs.
Darren Birch – General Manager, Growth, Digital and Audiences.
Peter Campbell – General Manager, AFL Media and Broadcasting.
Andrew Dillon - General Counsel; General Manager, Community and State Leagues.
Ray Gunston – General Manager, Infrastructure, Major Projects and Investment.
Simon Lethlean – General Manager, Football Operations.
Continued Executive portfolios:
Tanya Hosch – General Manager, Inclusion and Social Policy.
Elizabeth Lukin – General Manager, Corporate Affairs.
Tony Peek - Office of the CEO.
Mr McLachlan said the structure welcomes new talent to the AFL Executive.
“I am confident and excited about the new team, and believe that we have got the right people in the right jobs to deliver on our strategy and challenges over the next 3-5 years.
“In particular, the new team delivers a stronger focus on delivering for the AFL Clubs, the elevation of the people portfolio to Executive level, the development of Etihad Stadium, growing new fans, platforms and audiences, and bringing women’s football into Football Operations.
“The new team brings a sharper focus to the AFL challenges, and brings a greater diversity to decision making at the Executive level. In particular, I am pleased to be bringing women’s football to the Football Operations department and making it central to our future plans,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Appointing Sarah Fair as General Manager, People to the Executive is a message that investment in people and culture, both at the AFL and across the industry, continues to be a focus of mine as CEO,” he said.
New General Manager, Football Operations Simon Lethlean comes into the role from a background in the law, football, broadcasting, fixturing and game development.
Prior to working at the AFL, Mr Lethlean was a lawyer at Middletons Lawyers.
In previous roles at the AFL, Mr Lethlean played a major role in the the delivery of three media rights deals, managed the AFL Fixture from 2009-16; oversaw the establishment of the NAB AFL Women's Competition and was responsible for the implementation of the Future Directions of Football project.
He was drafted to Hawthorn in 1994, has been a VAFA representative player and coach, and former coach and player with Old Xaverians Football Club.
“It is a great privilege to take on the General Manager, Football Operations role.
“I bring to the role strong relationships across the industry, and I look forward to working with the Clubs, the AFLPA, coaches and the umpires, and the team at the AFL to protect and grow our game,” Mr Lethlean said.
