AFL Names Andrew Dillon as CEO-Elect to Replace Gillon McLachlan

The Australian Football League (AFL) has named Andrew Dillon as its new CEO, replacing the outgoing Gillon McLachlan. Dillon, who has been with the league since August 2000, will take over officially on October 2, after acting as CEO-elect for the remainder of the 2023 season. He is currently the AFL’s executive general manager of football operations, legal, integrity and general counsel.

In a statement, Dillon expressed his excitement and humility at taking on the role of leading “the greatest game in the world” into its next phase. He spoke of his commitment to making the sport accessible and welcoming to all Australians, from grassroots to elite levels. Dillon also highlighted the importance of ensuring every touch point in football is positive and memorable, from attending a match to a parent signing up their child for Auskick.

Dillon replaces McLachlan, who has been in the CEO role since April 2014. AFL Chairman Richard Goyder praised Dillon’s experience across both elite and community football, his involvement in major broadcast and partnership deals, and his track record of developing and shaping the AFL’s response to key social issues. Goyder also noted Dillon’s “clear vision of taking our game to more and more people” and expressed confidence in his ability to expertly guide the industry to a new era of growth.

Laura Kane, the general manager of competition management, will take on the role of acting general manager of football, while Stephen Meade, the general manager of legal and regulatory, has been appointed as the AFL’s general counsel.