Football Australia has ended its eight-month global search for a new chief executive with the appointment of Martin Kugeler, formerly the head of streaming service Stan. Kugeler will take up the role on 16 February, succeeding James Johnson, who left last May after five and a half years.
Heather Garriock, who has led FA on an interim basis, will become deputy chief executive and also take the newly created role of executive director of football. Garriock, a former Matildas player, will work under Kugeler.
Kugeler, originally from Germany, moved to Australia in 2009 and spent a decade in senior executive roles at Stan. He oversaw the launch of Stan Sport and became Stan’s chief executive in 2021, leaving in January last year. Under his tenure, Stan acquired rights to broadcast UEFA competitions and the Premier League. However, it does not hold rights to Australian football, which remain with Paramount until 2028.
Kugeler said: “Football is the largest participation sport in Australia. Our national teams... are exceptional, truly global and unite not only the football community but the nation.” He has never worked in football but describes himself as a lifelong fan. He will be the first foreign-born CEO of Football Australia.
His appointment comes at a significant time, with the Women’s Asian Cup beginning on 1 March in Australia and the men’s World Cup taking place in June in Canada and the United States. FA also posted an $8.5 million loss last year.
