Shane Dunne announced as CEO of Richmond, replacing Tasmania-bound Brendon Gale

Richmond has officially announced its new CEO, with its choice indicative of the commercial pressures that might lay ahead with an on-field rebuild.

New Richmond FC CEO Shane Dunne (R) with President John O'Rourke. Picture: Richmond Football Club

After the Herald-Sun revealed the shock decision last week, Richmond today officially announced the appointment of Shane Dunne as its new CEO to replace Brendon Gale.

Dunne, who has been CEO of Richmond’s subsidiary company Aligned Leisure, beat out long-time Richmond staffer Simon Matthews for the role.

President John O’Rourke pointed to Dunne’s commercial skills as one of the key factors in the appointment “to navigate the immediate financial pressures we face.”

Gale and former coach Damien Hardwick’s departures over the last 18 months, coupled with a stack of already confirmed or likely on-field departures points to a major rebuilding period for the club.

The move to appoint 42-year-old Dunne, as opposed to the decades of football experience Matthews holds, shows that the Tigers expect some tricky commercial waters while things are lean on the field.

“Shane has navigated some tough times with the Aligned Leisure business, especially during Covid,” O’Rourke said. “Here, his commercial, communication, and stakeholder skills were needed as he actively leaned into the challenges. Many of these experiences and skills have helped prepare him for this role.”

While mainly invisible to fans, Aligned Leisure, a leisure management company, has been one of the success stories of the Gale-era.

Dunne will fill the big shoes of Brendon Gale. Picture: Richmond Football Club

Since 2016 it has grown it’s turnover from $5 million to $67 million and its size from 100 employees to 1800. Among other things it manages major leisure facilities for local councils including Casey, Manningham, Nillumbik, Cardinia and Mildura.

Dunne has been Richmond employee for ten years and his role as CEO of Aligned Leisure has placed him on the club’s executive in recent years.

“The Club has entered a transition period, and we need a leader with the dynamism and confidence to harness the talents of our people to both face the immediate challenges, but also capitalise on the opportunities that will present themselves through this next phase,” O’Rourke said.

Just four years after the 2020 premiership, Richmond’s coach, CEO, President Peggy O’Neal, captain Trent Cotchin, forward talisman Jack Riewoldt and AFL Legend in waiting Dustin Martin are all gone. And there may be more.

Gale’s 15 years as boss spawned three premierships along with member and commercial growth that many thought inconceivable, so they will be massive shoes to fill.

Yet O’Rourke say the Dunne appointment is part of the Gale legacy.

“There is a need for renewal and change, but the fundamentals, values, and strong culture are a legacy to Brendon and his leadership of the existing management team,” O’Rourke said.

“We wish Shane well and are looking forward to the Tiger Army getting to know him because he will be a great leader to everyone who is involved with the Richmond Football Club.”

Matthews, who started football administration life in Essendon’s media department more than 20 years ago, is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Richmond. His experience and role within an era of build and success at the Tigers would make him attractive to many clubs or at AFL head office.

Gale will take on the pivotal industry role of leading the Tasmania Devils expansion team, which may provide opportunities to team up with Matthews again.

Originally published as Shane Dunne announced as CEO of Richmond, replacing Tasmania-bound Brendon Gale