ASTN reveals stepping down of James Demetriou and changes to its board of directors

The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) has announced that founding Chair James Demetriou has retired from its Board as part of a series of changes to its Board of Directors.

Among other changes as ASTN looks to expand its vision of strengthening the reach, international standing and reputation of Australia’s sports tech industry, Cam O’Riordan has also resigned from the ASTN Board while Angela Dahlke joins as Board Member.

Dahlke has over 15 years of industry experience at the forefront of innovation and works at the leading-edge of data sciences including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As Manager for Industry Engagement (data sciences) at QUT, Dahlke helps researchers and stakeholders to harness data, research, partnerships, training, innovation and access funding to realise benefits. Dahlke helped to create Australia’s National Sports Data Science Hub and has extensive experience in mentoring startups for technology accelerator programs.

Commenting on Dahlke’s arrival, ASTN Executive Chair, Dr Martin Schlegel advised “we are pleased to welcome Angela.

“(She) brings a wealth of strategic cross-sector experience to benefit sportstech, and has a track-record of success in innovation, entrepreneurship, mentorship, strategy and brand/IP management. We look forward to Angela joining ASTN’s Board of Directors as we continue to grow as an organisation and execute our strategy to ensure Australia continues to be a world-leader in sportstech.”

Looking forward to her new role, Dahlke noted “it’s an exciting time to be part of Australia’s thriving sportstech sector and it’s a privilege to join the ASTN Board of Directors.

“I’m passionate about shaping opportunities, working with Australia’s entrepreneurial talent and I’m looking forward to being part of the ASTN Board of Directors and contributing to ASTN’s local programs, helping to mentor teams, and providing input on ASTN’s wider strategy to help grow the local sportstech sector.”

Dahlke fills the vacancy created by Demetriou’s retirement and commenced on 12th July 2023.

Demetriou, ASTN’s Founding Chair, stepped into the role of Executive Director of Commercialisation and Partnerships in September 2022, having announced his retirement from the ASTN Board effective 30th June 2023.

He will now assume the role of Chair of the Australian Sports Innovation Centre of Excellence (ASICE) Advisory Council. Located in Melbourne, ASICA supports the commercialisation of research and development to attract national and international partnership opportunities for Victoria.

Over the past 40 years, Demetriou has played a major role in Australian sport and is a respected leader in sports business, sports governance and sports technology. When Demetriou first founded ASTN in 2012, the sports tech sector was made up of 258 companies, with a total revenue of $250 million per annum, employing around 2,500 people. At his time of retirement, the sector now generates $4.25 billion per annum, with 758 companies, now employing 13,438 people.

Advising  that Demetriou’s foresight back in 2012 has been pivotal to the growth of Australia’s successful and sustainable sports tech sector, Dr Schlegel noted “James’ vision back in 2012, to define the intersection of sport and technology in what is now commonly referred to as ‘sports tech’, is a prime testament to the saying ‘an overnight success is a decade in the making’. James’ love of sport and his belief in the talent of Australia’s young businesses has led to ASTN’s success and the growth of the sector. We thank James for his dedication to the ASTN and support on the Board.

“I look forward to drawing on James’ experience and counsel through his involvement as part of the ASICE Advisory Council.”

O’Riordan has stepped down from the ASTN Board after three years in the position having been integral in contributing to the membership model as ASICE commenced operations.

His vacancy will be filled in the coming months as the Board considers various candidates.

Image:  Dr Martin Schlegel (right) congratulates James Demetriou on his assuming his role as Chair of the Australian Sports Innovation Centre of Excellence (ASICE) Advisory Council. Credit: ASTN.