Ameet Bains appointed Western Bulldogs chief executive, replacing Gary Kent

NEW Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains has spoken for the first time since quitting his job at St Kilda to take up the top job with the 2016 premier.

THE Western Bulldogs have appointed highly-rated St Kilda executive Ameet Bains to their vacant chief executive’s role.

As revealed in the Herald Sun on Saturday, Bains has quit his job as the Saints chief operating officer to take the top job with the 2016 premier.

He will become the Bulldogs’ fourth chief executive across the past three seasons, with Gary Kent announcing late in the season he was stepping away from the role before the start of next football season.

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Before him, David Stevenson lasted only 15 months in the role after taking over from Simon Garlick, with speculation a difference of opinion with president Peter Gordon led to his exit.

Bains was in the mix to become Hawthorn chief executive in April this year, but opted out of the process, with the Hawks choosing Tracey Gaudry.

Gaudry was replaced earlier this month, with the Hawks announcing Geelong and former Collingwood executive Justin Reeves as its new chief executive.

Ameet Bains is set to take the Western Bulldogs CEO role. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Collingwood and Carlton are still on the search for new chief executives.

Bains was one of the key players in the Saints’ push to return to Moorabbin, which will take place early next year. Previously, he played a significant role in shaping St Kilda’s playing list.

“I am both honoured and humbled to be appointed as the club’s CEO,” Bains said today as the Dogs announced his appointment.

“The club is well-positioned given its recent premiership success and accompanying commercial growth.

“I look forward to working with a very talented team in building upon this success.”

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said: “We had a broad range of well-credentialled candidates for the position, both from inside the AFL industry and from a range of other professions. I’d like to thank them all for their interest.”

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said the club was “proud” of Bains’ appointment.

“Since joining the Saints in the role of GM Player List and Legal Affairs in January 2011, Ameet has played an instrumental role in regenerating our playing list, leading our recruitment team and providing support and leadership within our football department,” he said.

“We thank Ameet for his contribution to St Kilda and wish him well in his new role at the Bulldogs.”

Bains played VAFA football with Old Melburnians and Monash Blues until 2010, and has been with the Saints since the following year when he was appointed general manager player list and legal affairs.

He has a double degree in law and banking/finance, combining his passion for football with his legal background.

He will remain at St Kilda until December to oversee the handover of off-field projects.