FFA announces new General Manager Commercial Development appointment

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced the appointment of Sam Christou to the role of General Manager Commercial Development.

With the role being seen as a critical part of FFA’s strategy to increase revenues, Christou will be responsible for the commercialisation of FFA’s products including the Caltex Socceroos, Westfield Matildas and Hyundai A-League and football’s digital network as well as developing new revenue opportunities.

Christou joins FFA from Google where he first spent five years as Industry Head, Consumer Goods and Entertainment and the past two and a half years as Program Lead for New Consumer Products and Strategic Partner Lead.

Prior to Google, he spent six years leading Corporate Strategy and New Business Development at Nestle, and a six years at Cap Gemini Ernst and Young as a consultant.

During his time at Google, he was responsible for commercial agreements with Woolworths and other partners for the launch of the Google Assistant and also with three of Australia’s major banks for the launch of Google Pay.

FFA’s Head of Commercial, Digital and Marketing, Luke Bould, said Christou’s wealth of experience would be critical at a time when the Hyundai A-League and FFA’s digital business are both expanding.

Bould advised “Sam is an experienced leader who will bring to the football industry tremendous experience in digital commercialisation and FMCG. This will be valuable not only for FFA, but for our Member Federations and clubs, with which we work closely to grow the overall football economy.

“With our new digital network about to enter Stage 3, his experience with Google will be invaluable as we work with partners to create better experiences for fans and participants, whilst also producing new commercial opportunities.”

Looking forward to his new role, Chishold advises “I am delighted to be joining FFA at this exciting time.

“With an amazing Hyundai A-League Finals Series about to reach its climax, a FIFA World Cup upon us and another next year for the Westfield Matildas, continued participation growth and the expansion of the Hyundai A-League, it’s an exciting time to be joining the team at FFA.”

Image: Sam Christou

26th April 2018 - POOR ATTENDANCES SEES FFA LOWER COST OF A-LEAGUE FINALS TICKETS

30th March 2018 - CLUBS UNHAPPY AT LACK OF FFA CONSULTATION OVER A-LEAGUE EXPANSION PLANS

29th March 2018 - FFA MOVES TO ADD TWO NEW CLUBS TO A-LEAGUE COMPETITION 

20th March 2018 - TICKETMASTER AWARDS REVEAL BEST-SELLING EVENTS OF 2017 

7th March 2018 - EUROPEAN INVESTORS BUY A-LEAGUE’S ADELAIDE UNITED 

21st February 2018 - A-LEAGUE CLUBS WARN OF COMPETITION COLLAPSE 

19th February 2018 - FFA LOOKS FOR A-LEAGUE EXPANSION IN 2019/20 SEASON 

1st February 2018 - FFA LAUNCHES NEW ESPORT LEAGUE 

30th September 2017 - NEW FFA WEBSITES AIM TO ENGAGE FOOTBALL FANS AND PLAYERS 

31st August 2017 - FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

20th December 2016 - FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES $346 MILLION A-LEAGUE BROADCAST DEAL

9th December 2016 - FOOTBALL WELCOMES RECOGNITION AS AUSTRALIA’S TOP PARTICIPATION SPORT 

9th November 2016 - FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA NAMES NEW HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS 

9th October 2016 - SYDNEY DERBY BREAKS A-LEAGUE ATTENDANCE RECORD

15th June 2016 - CHINESE OWNERS PURCHASE A-LEAGUE CLUB NEWCASTLE JETS 

30th October 2015 - FFA ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES IN DIGITAL AND FAN ENGAGEMENT 

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.