Shane Dunne to replace Brendon Gale as Richmond’s chief executive officer
The man who was seen as the heavy favourite for the Richmond CEO job before being overlooked is tipped to become hot property for rival clubs looking for new administrators.
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Aligned Leisure boss Shane Dunne has won the race to become Richmond’s new chief executive on the back of his strong commercial success leading the club’s recreation facilities business.
The Herald Sun revealed on Thursday Dunne had been advised he will replace Brendon Gale in the top job, pipping long-time marketing boss Simon Matthews for the gig.
Dunne, 42, has impressed in the selection process with his strong commercial acumen having grown Aligned Leisure from $5 million to $67 million in turnover and 100 staff to 1800 staff across 49 locations since 2016.
Aligned Leisure, which provides health and wellbeing facilities for communities such as pools and gyms, is owned and run by Richmond to help diversify the club’s earnings.
An announcement on Dunne is expected next week with Gale in line to potentially stay at Punt Rd until next month before he officially starts work as Tasmania’s new CEO.
Gale has remained in the Richmond CEO role despite accepting the Tasmania job three months ago.
Popular club man Matthews had been seen as the heavy favourite to win the Tigers’ role and is now expected to be heavily targeted by rivals to fill a senior leadership position elsewhere.
Collingwood is one club looking to bolster its football department following the resignation of Graham Wright after an extended overseas holiday this year.
Carlton has also been linked to a move on former Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell to eventually replace legendary administrator Brian Cook at Carlton.
It is a major appointment for Richmond which will soon begin a massive redevelopment of its Punt Rd home base and participate in one of the most important drafts in recent history.
The Tigers could have as many as seven first-round picks to rebuild the side with a host of premiership stars – including Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Jack Graham - considering moves in the exchange period.
How lucky we have all been. ðŸ™ðŸ@DustinMartin4https://t.co/Y5nS0GIMpk
— Shane Dunne (@ShaneDunneAU) August 6, 2024
List boss Blair Hartley is currently leading the draft research and will head up the club’s trade period moves which could see them secure two first-round picks from Fremantle for Bolton, pick five from Gold Coast for Daniel Rioli and another first-rounder for Baker from West Coast or Fremantle.
Dunne cut his teeth in the football department at Richmond working closely with Craig McRae as part of the VFL team’s 2019 premiership when McRae was at the Tigers.
Dunne’s supporters have described him as a young and dynamic leader who could take charge of the club’s transition period after a glorious reign of three premierships between 2017-2020.
Dunne has developed strong relationships across the club and could call on Gale as a mentor and sounding board if required in the early part of his tenure as new CEO.
Previously he had a planning role for the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics and was a director at Life Saving Victoria.
He also studied leadership and negotiation at Harvard Law School in 2014.
It is a surprise choice as Dunne has beaten long-time Richmond marketing boss Simon Matthews, who was seen as the favourite for the role after playing a key role at the Tigers throughout their glorious premiership era.
The club is facing significant on-field issues as Richmond prepares to part with several premiership stars for early draft picks in the trade period.
Matthews is expected to be heavily targeted by rival clubs.
His departure would consider the significant changes at Punt Rd over the past 18 months.
Gale is expected to depart Richmond shortly to take up his position as Tasmania’s CEO.
One of Gale’s priorities will be to begin talks with potential coaching candidates including former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and ex-West Cosdy coach Adam Simpson.
Tasmania will enter the AFL in 2028.
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Originally published as Shane Dunne to replace Brendon Gale as Richmond’s chief executive officer
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