One of the architects of Richmond’s triple-premiership success, Brendon Gale, has quit the Tigers after being appointed the inaugural CEO of the Tasmanian Devils ahead of their entry into the AFL.
Gale’s shift was confirmed on Friday afternoon and lauded by Tasmania Football Club, Grant O’Brien, as an “enormous vote of confidence” in the AFL’s 19th team.
During his tenure at the Tigers, Gale, a Tasmanian, helped then coach Damien Hardwick orchestrate premiership success in 2017-18 and 2020.
Richmond also became first AFL club to reach 100,000 members during his tenure.
“Not only have we got a highly successful and proven AFL Club CEO, we have also tempted home a proud son of Tasmania,” O’Brien said.
“Brendon grew up on the North West Coast of Tasmania, and before his incredible 244-game career at AFL level, he played his early football for Burnie Hawks and represented Tasmanian four times.
“This is an enormous vote of confidence in our Club.
“Brendon is fully committed to focusing on completing his role at the Richmond Football Club in the same professional manner that has been a feature of his leadership at the Club, and while we are excited, we respect the fact that he has a big job to complete before we can welcome him home to Tasmanian football,”
Gale’s announcement follows the launch of the club name, colours and emblem with the state government also planning to move forward on a brand new stadium.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon lauded the appointment of Gale.
“Brendon is one the great leaders in our industry and has made an incredible impact on the Richmond footy club during his 15 years as Chief Executive,” Dillon said.
“His proven experience in establishing and leading high-performing environments see him as perfect fit as the first CEO for the Tasmania Devils and will see the club set up for success from the start.
“Brendon is an important appointment for Tasmania, and I want to congratulate Grant O’Brien and his team.
“I’m looking forward to continue working with Brendon in his current role at Richmond and then when he starts at the Devils next year.”
Gale said it was the “right time” to start a new adventure after 15 years at Punt Road,.
“I have spent half my life at this Club as an administrator and player. It is time for me to embark on a new challenge, and for the club to write the next chapter,” he said.
“I’ll remain absolutely focused on the job at hand for the coming months. It is an exciting and challenging period for us on and off the field.
“The breadth and depth of our leadership is a real feature of our club, and we are all getting on with the job at hand and that is where my energies will be focused.”