Senior AFL executive Travis Auld named new Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation

Travis Auld, the AFL’s Chief Financial Officer and Manager of Broadcasting, Clubs and Fixtures, has been named as the new Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) Chief Executive.

Auld, who has been at the AFL since 2014, replacing Andrew Westacott who left the role at the end of June.

Auld’s appointment follows speculation in Melbourne newspaper The Age last week that he had accepted the role having not been selected as the AFL’s new Chief Executive.

In addition to the activities covered by his job title, Auld also has responsibility AFL and AFLW game scheduling as well as the redevelopment of Marvel Stadium.

He has also held senior positions at AFL clubs including the inaugural Chief Executive of the Gold Coast Suns and Chief Operating Officer at Essendon Football Club.

The AGPC promotes both the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

This year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was bigger than ever before with a record crowd of more than 440,000 people flocking to Albert Park over the four-day race weekend in April. The event is contracted to race at Albert Park until 2037.

The 2022 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix attracted more than 91,000 spectators, the best attended event since 2012.

Victorian acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Ben Carroll announced the appointment this morning, stating “Travis is a driven leader and is well placed to ensure the AGPC builds on its recent growth to deliver two of the most prestigious motorsport events in Australia.

“I look forward to working with Auld and the AGPC Board to ensure that we continue to deliver the best motor racing events anywhere in the world that bring big benefits to our state.

“I’d also like to thank Andrew Westacott for his dedicated leadership of the AGPC over the past 11 years - he did an outstanding job.”

Westacott concluded his tenure on 30th June, with General Manager of Legal and General Counsel, Dale Nardella, acting as Chief Executive until Auld commences.

Auld said he is looking forward to leading one of the biggest and best international events in the country, commenting “the possibilities are endless on the back of the extraordinary growth that F1 has experienced globally along with Moto GP going from strength to strength.

“My role is to ensure we deliver two world class events that are the best possible experience for drivers, riders, teams, and fans from across the globe.”

AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan added "Trav’s ability to navigate complex scenarios, complimented by his collaborative approach and work ethic has led to many great outcomes for the industry. Leading his broad portfolio at the AFL is not an easy role and he has done an extraordinary job. He leaves with the respect and admiration of our team at the AFL and all our key stakeholders.

"Trav leaves our game having made a lasting impact, and I personally wish to thank him for his leadership, counsel and, importantly, his friendship as a long-standing member of our AFL Executive team."

Auld will finish at the AFL on 4th August before taking on his new role on 14th August.

His departure leaves a vacancy at the AFL, with Chief Executive-elect Andrew Dillon in the process of finalising the structure of the League's leadership team.

Image: Travis Auld will join the Australian Grand Prix Corporation as Chief Executive on 14th August. Credit: AFL Photos.