AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan today announced the appointment of Dean Warren to the position of AFL Queensland Chief Executive Officer
Mr Warren brings to the role 28 years’ experience working in the Australian Football industry, managing participation, talent and community programs in Queensland before being appointed to the role of AFL National Community Development Manager in 2007.
He returned home to Queensland in 2010 and has spent the last five years working with the Brisbane Lions as General Manager – Football Operations.
Mr McLachlan said the appointment was crucial to the development of the game nationally.
“The continued success of AFL in Queensland is critical to the overall strategic objectives of the league and I’m so pleased that we have been able to appoint someone of Dean Warren’s calibre to the role of AFL Queensland CEO,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Dean has intimate knowledge of all levels of AFL in Queensland having started as a player from regional Gympie who moved on to win the state’s highest individual honour, the Grogan Medal, to his work as a senior administrator with both the state and national bodies before most recently in his role at the Brisbane Lions as General Manager of Football Operations.”
Mr McLachlan said Warren’s extensive industry experience and understanding of the Queensland market saw him well placed to lead Queensland to further growth.
“As a respected and highly astute member of the AFL community, Dean’s experience and vast skill set showcased to us that he was the ideal candidate to lead the Queensland team as they continue to build on their 2015 success of reaching over 200,000 participants for the first time,” he said.
“We look forward to having Dean on board and have no doubt that he’ll be able to make an immediate positive impact across the entire state.”
Mr Warren said he was thrilled to be taking the reins in his home state.
“As a proud Queensland person, l am excited and feel very privileged to lead our dedicated and passionate AFL Queensland team,” said Mr Warren.
“Whilst the game has experienced significant growth in Queensland over the past decade, we believe there is an enormous opportunity to further grow and consolidate the games position in this critical market.”
“I look forward to working with both AFL Clubs and our community football stakeholders to build the games capacity for further growth through our investment in community football, participation, talent and facilities.”
Mr Warren will commence in the role on Monday. November 2.
Career background
- Has a Graduate Certificate of Business (Sports Management) and completed the AFL Senior Leaders Program at the Melbourne Business School – Mt Eliza
- Spent 14 years managing participation, talent and community programs in Queensland as Regional Development Manager then State Development Manager.
- Worked as AFL National Youth Coordinator from (2002 to 2004).
- As AFL National Participation Manager (2004 – 2007) he developed a national agenda and vision for the Participation Pathway focusing on strategies to increase participation.
- From 2010 to 2010 Brisbane Lions as General Manager – Football Operations overseeing all aspects of the Football Department including coaching and development, physical performance and medical, list management , football administration, player welfare and education.
