Football Australia has announced the appointment of Heather Garriock as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following James Johnson’s resignation.
This appointment is a landmark moment for Football Australia, with Ms Garriock becoming the first woman ever to lead the organisation.
As the most popular sport in both Australia and the world, this marks a significant turning point in the history of Australian sport.
A former Matilda, Olympian, and accomplished sports administrator, Ms Garriock brings a wealth of experience to the role.
She has previously led Australian Taekwondo as CEO, has been a member of the Football Australia Board since 2021, and currently sits on the Asian Football Confederation’s Technical Committee.
Ms Garriock also had an exceptional playing career. She represented the Matildas in three FIFA Women’s World Cups, three AFC Women’s Asian Cups, and two Olympic Games.
In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2021.
As part of standard governance procedures, Ms Garriock officially stepped down from her position on the Football Australia Board yesterday.
Ms Garriock expressed her honour in taking on the role, highlighting her commitment to inclusive leadership, key strategic goals, and drawing on her lifelong experience in football to guide the game’s future at the highest level.
“I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal time for football in Australia,” Garriock said in a press release.
“My focus will be on strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership as we work to deliver on key priorities — from Socceroos World Cup qualification and the appointment of a new Matildas coach, to the delivery of major tournaments and the continued development of our digital platform, PlayFootball.
“I have spent a lifetime in football and have literally played every position in football both on and off their field.
“This experience provides me with the unique ability to bring all perspectives of our game to the highest levels of decision making and build on the great work of James Johnson.”
She will now take on the role of Interim CEO while the Board undertakes both a local and international search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
