Travis Auld speaks during the 2021 AFL Finals Series Launch on August 23, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

The AFL congratulates Travis Auld on his appointment as CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
Auld has been involved in football for more than 20 years, with leadership positions at the Essendon Football Club, the Gold Coast SUNS and the AFL.

As a member of the AFL Executive team, working as EGM Finance, Clubs and Broadcast, Auld’s portfolio included overall industry finances, leadership of the 18 clubs, AFL and AFLW competition fixturing, relationships with the leagues major broadcasters, the Marvel Stadium redevelopment and the AFL’s broader property portfolio.

Auld has been a key decision-maker in the industry’s financial strength and oversaw the development and implementation of the competitive balance model introduced into clubs. He played a leadership role in helping to guide the football industry through the Covid-19 pandemic and was a key member of the team charged with securing the league’s new broadcast rights arrangements in 2022.

Appointed as the Gold Coast SUNS inaugural CEO, Auld led the establishment of the club, which included the successful launch of both the club and its home base, Metricon Stadium (now Heritage Bank Stadium). Auld joined the SUNS following two stints at the Essendon Football Club, firstly as a Finance Manager, then returning as Chief Operating Officer.

Travis Auld (centre) speaks at the 2022 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Launch with Adam Lampton-Nicholls (left) and Aunty Pam Pederson OAM (right) on May 16, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

“Trav’s ability to navigate complex scenarios, complimented by his collaborative approach and work ethic has led to many great outcomes for the industry. Leading his broad portfolio at the AFL is not an easy role and he has done an extraordinary job. He leaves with the respect and admiration of our team at the AFL and all our key stakeholders,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

“On behalf of everyone at the AFL, we thank Trav for his 20-plus years of service to footy and congratulate him on his new role as CEO of the Grand Prix. Trav leaves our game having made a lasting impact, and I personally wish to thank him for his leadership, counsel and, importantly, his friendship as a long-standing member of our AFL Executive team.”

Auld will complete a short handover period, including his on-going work on a new CBA and finish at the AFL on Friday August 4, before commencing his new role at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation on Monday August 14.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of the AFL industry. I leave with some extraordinary memories and many lifelong friendships. I look forward to continuing my relationship with the game, albeit from a different seat. Thank you to everyone who has made my time in footy so incredibly rewarding,” Auld said.

AFL CEO-Elect Andrew Dillon continues to work on his future structure, with a process of appointing an EGM Football in its final stages and to be announced shortly thereafter.