Jerril Rechter AM Appointed CEO of Australian Sports Foundation

The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has announced the appointment of Jerril Rechter AM as its new CEO, a shift toward maximising philanthropic investment ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jerril Rechter, a highly decorated executive with a career spanning leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Basketball Australia, and VicHealth, was selected following an extensive national search. She succeeds Interim CEO Ryan Holloway and is scheduled to officially commence her tenure on 16 March 2026.

Commenting on Ms. Rechter’s appointment, Australian Sports Foundation chair professor, Sarah Kelly OAM, said: “Jerril is an exceptional leader with a proven ability to drive strategy, innovation and partnerships across complex environments.”

“As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032 and beyond, the opportunity to strengthen philanthropic investment in sport has never been greater,” she said.

Expressing a clear commitment to social impact through sport, and commenting on her appointment as new CEO, Ms Rechter, said: “I am deeply committed to strengthening the ability of sporting organisations and athletes to access sustainable philanthropic funding.”

“Sport has a unique capacity to strengthen community wellbeing, and I am committed to advancing initiatives that harness its power as a catalyst for social change,” Ms. Rechter said.

Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells MP, welcomed the appointment, emphasising the role the Australian Sports Foundation plays in the broader “Green and Gold” decade. Minister Wells noted that strong leadership at the Foundation is vital to ensuring community clubs can access the funding required to thrive in the lead-up to 2032.

Strategic Leadership for a Golden Decade

Ms Rechter’s background in both the commercial sector, as former vice president at Disney, and the sporting sector makes her uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between corporate social responsibility and grassroots sporting needs.

The new CEO currently serves as the vice president of the Western Bulldogs Football Club and a mentor with the Minerva Network. Her deep connections within chief executive women and as an adviser to the World Health Organisation are expected to be leveraged to unlock new sustainable funding streams for Australian athletes and local clubs.

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