Chris Davies joins SANFL / WWT appoint new CEO

[Big Phil]

SANFL APPOINTS GENERAL MANAGER, FOOTBALL

The SANFL is pleased to announce Chris Davies has accepted the position of General Manager, Football.

Chris will join the League’s Executive team later this month, having served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club since 2008.

Under his tenure, the club increased levels of attendance and membership, maximised its sponsorship revenue and competed in League Finals every season, winning the Grand Final in 2011.

Prior to his position at the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club, Chris served three years as the Australian Cricketers Association’s General Manager of Operations and more than a decade in the banking and finance sector.

He has also enjoyed a successful career as a professional cricketer, talent manager and coach.

SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said Chris’s demonstrated success at SANFL club level, together with his broader experience in sports administration and finance, made him an ideal candidate for the position of General Manager, Football.

“The SANFL has a wide-reaching responsibility to manage the game of football in the community at every level – from junior, amateur and country competitions through to our highly-respected SANFL competition and the young South Australian talent destined for the AFL,” he said.

“As General Manager, Football, Chris will be leading the growth and promotion of a game that more than 114,000 South Australians play every year and that many thousands more enjoy as spectator sport.

“The SA Football Commission has full confidence that Chris will tackle this significant job with the same dedication, strength and focus he has brought to his previous professional and sporting endeavours.”

Chris said he was looking forward to commencing at the SANFL.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Eagles and have appreciated the opportunity to lead the club over the past four years,” he said.

“However, the time has come to move on and I’m looking forward to being involved in the game on a wider level at what is a very exciting time for South Australian football.”

[JK]

Glad this one is finally out in the open .. From what I hear Chris is an exceptional operator, so I very much welcome this appointment!

[mighty_tiger_79]

lets hope he listens to the fans, as im sure he will do better then the previous bloke

[Booney]

Glad this one is finally out in the open .. From what I hear Chris is an exceptional operator, so I very much welcome this appointment!

I was hoping you'd get lathered up and tell us exactly what you think of him...!

[topsywaldron]

Helen Keller could have listened better than the previous bloke.

Good luck to Chris Davies in the new job.

[JK]

Glad this one is finally out in the open .. From what I hear Chris is an exceptional operator, so I very much welcome this appointment!

I was hoping you'd get lathered up and tell us exactly what you think of him...!

There will be plenty of time for that

[SDK]

Not a hard act to follow but good luck.

[Aerie]

It seems this might be the most challenging period since the entry of the Crows & Power. The next few years could define what the SANFL is all about. Let's hope he can steer the SANFL away from the direction it appeared to be heading this season. A few things I'd like to know about asap; the AFL Reserves situation and what direction the SANFL is going to head with it, the Port Magpies situation and the entry cost increase for this season - I hope it is reverted back to no more than $10.

Good luck CD and thanks for your time and efforts with the Eagles. Season 2011 won't ever be forgotten.

[locky801]

Has the runs on the board at the Eagles obviously, now a new challenge, wish him well, as has been stated can only improve from the last person in the position

[Jimmy_041]

Someone's going to have his nose out of joint

[Dogwatcher]

Seriously, I read this thread title and thought I saw Chris Dawes joins SANFL....

[Mr Fuller]

It seems this might be the most challenging period since the entry of the Crows & Power. .

And this is why it is such a good appointment. A very savvy operator and will be a tremendous asset for the competition.

Thanks for everything you've done at the Eagles Chris. It will be our loss but will be more than happy for you to do your business keeping the SANFL strong and healthy.

[dedja]

Congrats Chris ... look after the grassroots of the league and its supporters and you will have performed well.

[Dols]

Will only be in the job a short time before taking full control.

[Columbo]

Massive loss for the Eagles, great get for the league. He has a big job ahead but will be more than capable

Good bloke, good operator, all the best CD.

[Dutchy]

Good appointment I reckon.

[RustyCage]

Former Redback player?

[MightyEagles]

Former Redback player?

Yes he is, Played a few years back.

[wedgetail]

Always had time to chat with the 'rank and file' eagles' supporter so would expect no difference in his next job. Big loss for the Eags, thanks for your efforts Chris.

[heater31]

Former Redback player?

Decorated Junior who's career was cruelly cut short with injury. CD had shoulders made of glass and towards the end of his playing days could barely throw the ball the radius of the inner fielding circle. To cap things off Chris also has to manage Cystic Fibrosis.