Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced the appointment of a CEO of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced the appointment of a CEO of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Michael Brown, a senior executive with a career spanning 21 years in Australian professional sports administration, will commence in the role early next year.
Brown comes to the role after nine years as General Manager, Cricket, with Cricket Australia. He previously served for six years as CEO of AFL club Hawthorn.
FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC said today he was delighted to have secured such a high-calibre CEO following an international executive search.
“Michael Brown will bring the right mix of international event experience, organisational acumen and business skills to the role,” said Mr Lowy.
“This tournament is the pinnacle for the 46 nations of the AFC who represent half the world-s population and some of the most passionate fans found anywhere.
“Australia has been entrusted with hosting rights and today‘s announcement of a highly-regarded executive as CEO shows we are determined to stage a world-class event that will make Australia and Asia proud.”
Michael Brown holds tertiary qualifications in Education and Business Administration and began his career in professional sport administration in 1990.
His role with Cricket Australia included responsibilities for international event scheduling, industrial relations, high performance, government relations and commercial functions.
“This is shaping as the most exciting and challenging role of my career,” said Mr Brown.
“The scale and scope of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup makes it one of world football-s biggest and most important events.
“I-m honored to have been appointed as CEO and look forward to helping build a world-class organising team.”
The 2015 AFC Asian Cup is scheduled for January 2015. Matches in the 16-nation tournament will be played in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Queensland.
The Qantas Socceroos were runners-up in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup played in Qatar.