Michael Roberts appointed CEO of the WAFC

The WAFC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Michael Roberts as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Roberts has most recently held the position as CEO of Tennis West since 2016. He is a highly experienced sports administrator having held senior roles with Tennis Australia in WA and Tasmania, Cricket Tasmania and the Richmond Football Club.

During his four-year tenure as CEO of Tennis West, Mr Roberts has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement including four years of budget surpluses, implementation of a governance overhaul, record attendances at the Hopman Cup and delivery of a new staffing structure and training model to ensure improved servicing of clubs, schools and coaches.

Under Mr Roberts’ oversight, the Hopman Cup was awarded WA’s best sporting event in 2018. During a previous role as Executive Director of Tennis Tasmania, Mr Roberts was named as that state’s Sports Administrator of the Year.

WAFC Chairman Mr Wayne Martin said “We are delighted to have attracted a candidate of Michael’s quality. His direct experience and achievements, notably at Tennis West, will be highly beneficial to WA Football, particularly as we consider and implement the many initiatives we currently have underway and those to come out of the Public Account Committee inquiry.”

“Michael will bring a fresh perspective and we expect he will transfer learnings and best practice from other sports over to WA football. His governance and financial management skills are highly relevant for the Commission.”

“We felt it was important to appoint a CEO that wasn’t necessarily aligned to any particular element of WA Football and could bring an independent view. Michael has an excellent track record of sports stakeholder engagement including with government, sporting clubs, staff, participants and the fans.”

Mr Roberts said he was honoured to be offered the role and looked forward to commencing in the new year.

“Football is such an important part of WA’s social fabric and I’m genuinely excited at the prospect of playing a leadership role in the management of the game. It’s a responsibility that’s certainly not lost on me, particularly in the wake of COVID and the recent PAC inquiry.”

“It is ideal to commence a role like this outside of the playing season as it will give me an excellent opportunity to engage with as many members of the footy family as possible prior to the 2021 season getting underway. I plan to hit the ground running” said Mr Roberts.

Mr Roberts will commence his new role with the WAFC on 11 January 2021. A summary of Mr Roberts’ biography is attached to this announcement.

Notes for Media:
Mr Roberts will be available for media interviews after he has commenced his role with the WAFC.

Background information on Mr Michael Roberts

Overview
Michael Roberts is an experienced senior executive with an extensive track record in shaping and leading sports businesses. He has experience at the elite levels of tennis, cricket and AFL football across Australia. He is tertiary qualified with an MBA and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Sports Management and Marketing.

Mr Roberts has demonstrated the ability to cultivate effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels including volunteers, employees, members, board members, coaches, players, and government officials. He has a comprehensive understanding of financial management, budgeting, reporting, contract management, statutory reporting and compliance processes.

Relevant Employment History

2016 – Current CEO – Tennis West, GM – ATP Cup (formerly Hopman Cup)
Tennis West
Tennis Australia

2011 – 2016 General Manager – Marketing and Commercial
General Manager – Hobart Hurricances
Cricket Tasmania

2003 – 2011 Executive Director (Tournament Director)
Tennis Tasmania

2001 – 2003 General Manager, Coburg Football Club
Richmond Football Club (AFL)

1999 – 2001 Football Technology Coordinator
Richmond Football Club (AFL)

Education

2018 Sports Governance Course
Australian Institute of Company Directors

2014 Master of Business Administration
Deakin University

1998 Bachelor of Commerce (Sports Management & Marketing)
Deakin University