Business executive and former stockbroker Craig Drummond is expected to be appointed the Chair of the Australian Football League (AFL) Commission, one of the most prestigious positions in Australian sports administration.
The AFL said Drummond had been unanimously endorsed to join the Commission with his appointment as Chair a formal decision for the commissioners.
The Chair oversees the strategy, finances and major decisions of the AFL, the biggest professional sporting competition in Australia by attendance, TV ratings, and cultural impact.
Drummond, the Chair of Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), Australian Foundation Investment Company (ASX: AFI) and The Ian Potter Foundation and a Director of Ramsay Health Care (ASX: RHC), was CEO of Medibank Private Limited (ASX: MPL) from 2016 until 2021.
He joined Medibank after a 30-year career in finance, including with National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB), JB Were, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Goldman Sachs.
The Commission said the appointment of the former Geelong Cats Football Club President followed a rigorous selection process by club presidents and Commission directors supported by a global recruitment firm.
He will replace Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) and Qantas (ASX: QAN) Chair Richard Goyder, who has confirmed he will step down from the Commission at the Annual General Meeting in March 2026, nine years after he assumed the position.
“Our national game is in great shape, but we can’t afford to stand still,” Goyder said in a statement.
“The Commissioners and I have every confidence that when my term ends in March, Craig is the right person to lead a new era of growth and engagement with our fans, our clubs, and our broadcast partners.
“Craig has a deep understanding of football, combined with proven business and leadership capability.
“His contribution to the game and his professional track record will make him an outstanding addition to the AFL Commission.”
