Alumnus to head AFL

Congratulations to Trinity alumnus Gillon (Gill) McLachlan (TC 1994), who was today (30 April 2014) named as the next CEO of the Australian Football League (AFL).

Gill will take over from outgoing CEO, Andrew Demetriou, who finishes in the role on 5 June.

After leaving university, Gill worked in a strategic role at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), which involved a variety of industries in different countries. This included a six-month contract in the Philippines.

Gill joined the AFL in May 2000 as a strategic planner. He has been Chief Broadcasting and Commercial Operations Officer at the AFL since 2003, and has been the effective second in command since 2012.

Gill was a top amateur footballer and was best on ground in the 1994 Trinity College premiership team. Frank Henagan recalled Gill coming off the ground with a blood nose at a crucial point in the final against Ormond. Frank, ever practical, instructed the physio to ‘bung some cotton wool in his nose and get him back out there!’

It is a measure of Frank’s respect for Gill’s ability that he was named vice captain of his ‘Team of the Century’.  

Twenty years after his playing days, Gill is still a passionate supporter of the Uni Blues team and can be found on the sidelines with the family.

Gill is married to Trinity alumna Laura Blythe (TC 1994). They have three children.

30 Apr 2014
Category: People