Page 13: Ex-AFL boss Gillon McLachlan set to join Blackstone Group

Just where Gillon McLachlan will end up has been the cause of much chatter in corporate circles, now it seems the ex-AFL boss is set to join this high-flying equity group.

Where will former AFL boss Gill McLachlan end up? Blackstone Group is looking likely. Picture: David Crosling

Just where will Gillon McLachlan end up has been the cause of much consternation within our corporate world, with the ex-AFL boss now set to join Blackstone Group.

In March, Page 13 reported McLachlan was been sounded out for a cushy gig with the private equity giant and owner of Crown Resorts and casino.

Reports on Friday confirmed McLachlan has signed on as a senior adviser, as the New York-headquartered firm looks for more Australian investments.

Burnt out, McLachlan stepped down from the top job at the AFL at the end of last season, with the guessing game hitting fever pitch on what was next as he was linked to a range of jobs across the sports, wagering and corporate sector.

Blackstone headquarters in New York. Picture: Angus Mordant

A racing enthusiast, he reportedly had discussions and was being courted by wagering giant Tabcorp to take on the role of chief executive since Adam Rytenskild resigned suddenly in March.

McLachlan had also been heavily linked to Racing Victoria’s chairman role, but it emerged on Friday that he would not be among the governing body’s board new appointees by the state’s racing minister Anthony Carbines.

McLachlan’s connections with Crown have long been rumoured.