Tasmania’s inaugural AFL club chair will be former Woolworths CEO & Tasmanian Football Taskforce member Grant O’Brien, according to WIN News.
Brent Costelloe is reporting that “a number of sources” today confirmed O’Brien’s likely appointment, which will be officially announced later this week.
“The terms of the agreement signed by the AFL and state government dictates that both parties consult with each other regarding the appointment of the inaugural chair,” Costelloe said.
“That was supposed to happen within 60 days of the licence being signed off on, with that time elapsing on Sunday.”
O’Brien, who grew up on the North-West coast, worked for supermarket giant Woolworths for almost 30 years and spent five of those as the company’s chief executive.
Now, he’s the current Tourism Tasmania chair and was also apart of the Tasmanian task force that undertook the groundwork for the 19th licence.
“Former Premier Peter Gutwein was initially linked with the chairmanship, but many believe his appointment would have raised eyebrows, in a process that’s become very political,” Costelloe said.
Sports Minister Nic Street was questioned about the role at a media conference this morning, but wouldn’t comment on the matter.
“A decision has been made on a chair and an announcement will be imminent,” he said.
O’Brien is also yet to comment.
