Chief Executive appointments at AFL's new Tasmanian club and St Kilda

Brendon Gale has announced that he will depart from his role as Chief Executive of Richmond FC at end of the season to become the inaugural Chief Executive of the AFL's incoming 19th club, the Tasmania Devils.

Gale took over as Tigers Chief Executive in late 2009 and has been credited with helping to lift the club's fortunes both on and off the field.

The Tigers won three AFL premierships between 2017 and 2020, and he played a key role in improving their financial stability during his tenure.

Media reports have speculated that he will join the AFL's incoming 19th club, the Tasmania Devils, as they prepare for their entry into the men's and women's competitions later this decade.

In a statement, AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon congratulated Gale on his accomplishments over 15 years at the Richmond and on his appointment to the new Tasmanian football club.

Dillon advised “Brendon is one the great leaders in our industry and has made an incredible impact on the Richmond footy club during his 15 years as Chief Executive.

“His proven experience in establishing and leading high-performing environments see him as perfect fit as the first CEO for the Tasmania Devils and will see the club set up for success from the start.

“Brendon is an important appointment for Tasmania, and I want to congratulate Grant O’Brien and his team.

“I’m looking forward to continue working with Brendon in his current role at Richmond and then when he starts at the Devils next year.”

St Kilda confirms Carl Dilena as Chief Executive
In another significant AFL appointment St Kilda has confirmed Carl Dilena as its new Chief Executive.

Dilena, who has been filling the role since Simon Lethlean departed St Kilda in January, joined St Kilda in October 2022 as Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to that, the 57-year-old spent 12 years as a board member at North Melbourne, as well as seven years as the Kangaroos’ Managing Director and Chief Executive at Arden Street from 2013 to 2019.

Under Dilena's leadership at North Melbourne, the club eliminated almost all of its debt, while growing financially to improve the training and administration base, as well as increasing football department spending and ensuring the club could pay 100% of its total player payment (TPP).

Looking forward to his new role, Dilena advised "I've had the privilege of working at St Kilda for a year and a half now and have done my best to immerse myself in the club culture and history.

"St Kilda is a proud foundation club, with clear goals and a very loyal and deserving supporter base.

"I look forward to playing my role in helping the club take strides towards achieving its goals and rewarding the passion and investment of our members and fans."

Image: Brendon Gale. Credit: Richmond FC.