New CEO Travis Auld will swap AFL for the Formula 1 racetrack, moving over from his role as executive general manager of finance, clubs and broadcast at the AFL, which he has held since 2014. Other previous roles include being the first CEO of the Gold Coast Suns team and COO at Essendon Football Club.
“I am looking forward to leading one of the biggest and best international events in the country,” said Auld.
“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.”
Auld replaces Andrew Westacott, who has been at the helm of the AGPC since 2011, after joining the organisation as GM of operations in 2006.
The organisation promotes two major motor events in Victoria, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island. The F1 Australian Grand Prix this year pulled in a record crowd of 440,000 over four days and between them, the two events contribute $2.5 billion to the local economy each year.
The state has secured the F1 event until 2037 and Phillip Island’s motorcycle event until 2026.
Chair of the AGPC board, Paul Little AO praised Auld as “an outstanding leader and person”.
“He joins the corporation at an exciting growth period for both our major international events in Formula 1 and MotoGP.”
Auld’s current employer, the AFL, has also congratulated him on his appointment.
