Football Australia today announced the appointment of Martin Kugeler as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new era as the organisation enters a landmark period for the game nationwide.
Martin brings extensive executive leadership experience across operational excellence, innovation, finance, strategy and global media, positioning him to lead Australian football through its next phase of growth.
With extensive Australian and international experience, Martin most recently held senior executive roles at Stan, including Chief Executive Officer, and previously Chief Financial Officer and Director of Strategy, Sport, Business Development & Product. His career also includes leadership positions across major global media and telecommunications organisations, delivering commercial growth, digital innovation, and audience engagement at scale.
Martin joins Football Australia at a pivotal moment, with Australia set to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, followed by the CommBank Socceroos’ campaign at the FIFA World Cup 26™ — a unique opportunity to accelerate growth and engagement across the game.
His appointment follows a comprehensive, independent global search conducted by leading executive search firm Egon Zehnder, engaged by Football Australia in July 2025.
Football Australia also confirmed that current Interim CEO Heather Garriock will remain with the organisation, transitioning into the role of Executive Director of Football and Deputy CEO, a significant and newly-created role that ensures continuity, strong executive football leadership, and strategic alignment.
With world-class events on the horizon and strong momentum across the game, Football Australia looks forward to a new chapter of ambition, innovation, and growth under Martin Kugeler’s leadership.
Quotes Attributable to Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac
“Today is an important day for Australian football. The global search was independent and highly competitive, and I am delighted to welcome Martin Kugeler as our new CEO of Football Australia.
“Martin brings a wealth of professional experience across operational excellence, innovation, finance, strategy and global media to Football Australia – this is a rare combination and one that will deliver results for football in Australia.
“I have no doubt that he will continue to lift the bar on how we do things and what we can achieve together with all our stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kugeler
“There isn’t a sport in the country that can match the existing domestic and international footprint of Football, or the potential for further growth inherent in our game.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Football Australia as CEO and help us realise our potential, with the clear ambition to drive growth and reach new heights in the sport that we love.
“I will be leading the team with a strong focus on innovation, robust professional structures and enhanced commercial outcomes to increase investment back into the game.“Football is the largest participation sport in Australia. Our national teams - the Matildas, Socceroos and youth teams - are exceptional, truly global and unite not only the football community but the nation. Football has an unmatched passionate community of players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters.
“I am very much looking forward to working closely and collaboratively with all stakeholders of our game: our Member Federations, Women’s Council, local clubs, players, coaches, referees, volunteers, the APL as well as our commercial partners, governments and our international federations FIFA and AFC.”
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer, Heather Garriock
“Martin will be an outstanding CEO for our organisation and leader for Australian football. Working with Martin will propel us into a new era of strengthening the team’s football and commercial excellence.
“I’m looking forward to stepping into the new role of Executive Director of Football – with a holistic focus on football, national teams, high performance, competitions, talent development and international relations like never before - and as Deputy CEO of Football Australia.”