WAFC CEO announces resignationFriday, January 29, 2016 - 4:05 PM

The West Australian Football Commission announces that its Chief Executive Officer Gary Walton has resigned and a search for a new leader for the organisation will commence immediately.

Mr Walton has resigned prior to the start of the 2016 football season to allow time for a new CEO to be secured before the annual competition is well underway.

WAFC Chairman Murray McHenry thanked Mr Walton for his four years of service to the Commission and acknowledged his leading role in a number of achievements that had occurred during his tenure.

“Gary’s period as CEO has seen the WAFC commence discussions with the State Government over the future financial model to sustain football in WA once the new stadium opens; it has also involved the establishment of Perth Stadium Management with our international partners and the development of a strong submission to become Operator of the new stadium.

“In the past four years we have also successfully introduced the AFL partnering model into the WAFL competition; had a successful first year of commercial broadcasting of the WAFL competition in 2015 on Channel 7; and achieved our goal of 200,000 participants in the sport well ahead of schedule,” Mr McHenry said.

Mr Walton leaves the Commission with a strong management team in place and in a significantly improved financial position following several years of reducing costs and securing strong revenue growth from Domain Stadium as a result of major events and new commercial arrangements with international partner Delaware North.

Mr Walton said his resignation would enable a new CEO to take up the role before the financial and structural models of football in WA were fundamentally changed by the development of the new stadium and a new financial model for the sport.

“During my four years I have worked with the Commissioners to help prepare football for what will be the most significant changes to the sport in more than a quarter of a century. It is time for a new individual to see those changes implemented and keep securing a strong future for football in WA,” Mr Walton said.

“After four years leading the WAFC and 14 years at a senior level in WA Football, I decided across summer that it was time for me to seek new opportunities and challenges in my career. I wish the WAFC team the very best for the future.”

Mr McHenry said that while Mr Walton would step back from a day-to-day operational role immediately, he would continue to assist the WAFC while a new CEO is recruited.