Former Geelong president and business leader Craig Drummond has been named as the new chairman of the AFL Commission.
The former chief executive of health insurer Medibank, Mr Drummond will join the AFL Commission and formally take over as chairman in March next year when incumbent Richard Goyder AO stands down following the league’s annual general meeting.
Mr Drummond’s announcement followed an extensive selection process in which former Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon was also a candidate. Ex-Collingwood president Jeff Browne was also considered a contender, but he is understood to have not formally nominated for the role.
Mr Goyder said the commission had prioritised three key criteria to the selection process – capability and experience to lead the commission as chair, the ability to unite AFL stakeholders including clubs, and a passion and vision to grow the game.
“Our national game is in great shape, but we can’t afford to stand still,” Mr Goyder said.
“The commissioners and I have every confidence that when my term ends in March, Craig is the right person to lead a new era of growth and engagement with our fans, our clubs, and our broadcast partners.
“Craig has a deep understanding of football, combined with proven business and leadership capability.
“His contribution to the game and his professional track record will make him an outstanding addition to the AFL Commission.”
Mr Drummond was a director of Geelong Cats Football Club for 13 years, including serving four as president from 2021-2024, which included the 2022 Premiership win and the completion of the Joel Selwood stand at GMHBA Stadium.
Prior to leading Medibank, he had a 30-year career in finance including with NAB, JB Were, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs.
He is currently chair of Transurban Group, Australian Foundation Investment Group (AFIC), the Ian Potter Foundation and a Director of Ramsay Healthcare.
