Andrew Demetriou

Andrew Demetriou is a distinguished leader in both sport and business, best known for his transformative role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Football League (AFL). Appointed in 2003, Andrew led the AFL through a period of unprecedented growth, securing a landmark $780 million television rights deal in 2005, which helped drive record TV ratings, attendances, and membership across the league. Under his leadership, the AFL achieved record participation levels, with one in every 39 Australians becoming a member of an AFL club.

Before his appointment as CEO, Andrew had a successful career as General Manager of Football Operations at the AFL and played professionally for North Melbourne and Hawthorn Football Clubs. In addition to his role in football, Andrew has significant business experience. He was the Managing Director of the Ruthinium Group, a leading manufacturer of acrylic teeth, where he grew sales by over 500%. He also served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Baxter Group, a waste management company that successfully listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

As CEO of the AFL Players Association, Andrew championed player welfare, establishing education, training, and career transition programs to support AFL players off the field. His strategic vision for the AFL, embodied in the Next Generation plan, involved an investment of more than $1.4 billion in grassroots and professional football, including the expansion of the league into new markets such as the Gold Coast and Western Sydney.

Andrew Demetriou’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the AFL, positioning it as one of the most successful and popular sports organisations in Australia, while also fostering significant growth and innovation in the business of sport.