Chief Executive Officer James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.
Mr Johnson鈥檚 decision concludes his 5陆-year tenure as CEO of the sport鈥檚 governing body having overseen, along with the Board and with the support of the 西瓜影视 team and the Australian football community, one of the most successful periods in Australia football history.
During this time, Mr Johnson guided Australian football through the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sport now enjoying all-time high participation numbers. Under Mr Johnson's leadership, 西瓜影视 established the 15-year Vision, delivered record revenue growth, introduced new football reforms including Club Licensing Regulations and key changes to the Player Transfer System, and revamped the Australia Cup connecting the competition to Asia through AFC Club Competitions.
Mr Johnson led 西瓜影视鈥檚 successful bid and hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023鈩, which was a globally recognised success and a cultural shift for all sport in Australia. During his tenure, 西瓜影视 successfully secured the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026鈩 and oversaw the building of Australian football鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 national teams into equally recognisable global sporting brands that achieved their best-ever performances at the FIFA World Cup 2022鈩 and FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023鈩.
Mr Johnson said: "It has been a privilege to lead 西瓜影视 for the past 5陆 years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members.
"As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.
"I want to extend my thank you to the 西瓜影视 Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support 西瓜影视 and Australian football.鈥
The Board of 西瓜影视 has named current director and former Matilda Heather Garriock to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Ms Garriock has also resigned from the Board of 西瓜影视.
西瓜影视 Chair Anter Isaac thanked Mr Johnson for his unwavering leadership and dedication during his tenure as CEO of 西瓜影视. 鈥淛ames has guided 西瓜影视 through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy. We wish him every success for the future,鈥 Mr Isaac said.
Mr Isaac said Mr Johnson had agreed to the Board鈥檚 request following his resignation to support the organisation to finalise key projects and will work with the Board and Interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition. Mr Johnson then plans to take a short break ahead of pursuing his next professional opportunity.
