Craig Hutchison hires dumped AFL executive Richard Simkiss to fill role at Crocmedia

A KEY figure in the sex scandal that gripped the AFL has been hired as a heavy hitter in Craig Hutchison’s burgeoning media empire.

DUMPED AFL executive Richard Simkiss has been thrown a career lifeline by emerging media big wig Craig Hutchison.

Simkiss starts tomorrow in his new role with Hutchison’s expanding media company Crocmedia who last month entered into a proposed merger with Pacific Star Network, the owner of sports radio station SEN.

SECOND CHANCE: GIL BACKS DUMPED EXECUTIVES TO STAY IN FOOTY

ROBBO: FAMILIES THE HIDDEN VICTIMS IN AFL SEX SCANDAL

SORRY: AFL EXECS APOLOGISE FOR SCANDAL

MENDING BRIDGES?: SIMKISS, WIFE, STEP OUT IN PUBLIC

Craig Hutchison has hired axed AFL executive Richard Simkiss to join Crocmedia. Picture: Tony Gough

HUTCHY’S BIG CATCH: CROC TO BUY SEN PARENT COMPANY

The former AFL general manager of commercial operations was forced to resign in July, along with football operations manager Simon Lethlean, over inappropriate relationships with young female AFL staff members.

Hutchison and Simkiss have been long-time friends and the ‘Footy Classified’ host expressed sadness at the demise of the AFL executive at the time of the scandal.

“Richard is one of the best commercial minds in the country who is widely respected by brands, codes and sporting bodies across the country,” Hutchison said.

“He will play an integral role in our varied business units and we’re really fortunate that he’s chosen us as the next phase of his professional career journey.”

Richard Simkiss resigned as AFL general manager of commercial operations in the wake of an inappropriate relationship with a female employee.

Simkiss will be the group business director of Crocmedia and also the chief operating officer of BallPark Entertainment which is the company’s event “experience” division.

He had spent 12 years at league headquarters after previously working as sales manager at Elite Sports Properties.

While Simkiss has found employment, Lethlean is still out in the cold after being overlooked for four CEO roles in the AFL.

The latest career move has him being linked to Essendon as its head of football.