Mr. Demetriou will spearhead the Learning and Life Centre project on behalf of the club and its partners, the Australian Multicultural Foundation and the Scanlon Foundation.
Mr. Demetriou said: "Through the Learning and Life Centre we have the opportunity to create not only an industry-first, but a world-first model."
"A community and educational facility within an elite sporting club, with qualified staff and players involved in delivering programs, has enormous potential to address some pressing social issues and become a national model for community engagement.
"I've always had a passion for football, for business and for multiculturalism, and this role will allow me to combine all three, I'm very enthusiastic about the project and looking forward to getting started."
North Melbourne Chief Executive Eugene Arocca said that the appointment of James Demetriou would give the Learning and Life Centre enormous impetus.
"Attracting someone of James' calibre to drive the project is a huge step in the right direction and shows how serious we are about making a tangible and positive contribution to the community," he said.
"The project is a vitally important part of North Melbourne's future; it will go a long way toward making us relevant part of the community.
The Learning and Life Centre is on track for completion by the end of the year and will welcome thousands of local school students and members of the multicultural community from 2010, to promote education, health and sport as a means to enhance community spirit and social cohesion.
