Leading executive Travis Auld will be the latest AFL figurehead to depart following his appointment as the newest CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
Auld, who has served in the football industry for over 20 years, is the AFL's executive general manager (EGM) of finance and a key figure in managing the league's fixturing, clubs, and broadcast.
In addition to decorated roles within AFL headquarters, Auld had fulfilling stints with both the Gold Coast Suns and Essendon, playing a pivotal role in launching the Suns and their home base in Carrara.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, who will also depart AFL headquarters, presumably in the coming months, released a statement congratulating his colleague, Auld.
"'Trav's ability to navigate complex scenarios, complimented by his collaborative approach and work ethic has led to many great outcomes for the industry," McLachlan's statement reads.
"Leading his broad portfolio at the AFL is not an easy role and he has done an extraordinary job. He leaves with the respect and admiration of our team at the AFL and all our key stakeholders.
"On behalf of everyone at the AFL, we thank 'Trav' for his 20-plus years of service to footy and congratulate him on his new role as CEO of the Grand Prix.
"'Trav' leaves our game having made a lasting impact, and I personally wish to thank him for his leadership, counsel and, importantly, his friendship as a long-standing member of our AFL Executive team.”
Friday, August 4, will represent Auld's final day working for the AFL, as he will complete a brief handover period between now and that date.
"I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of the AFL industry," Auld said in a statement.
"I leave with some extraordinary memories and many lifelong friendships. I look forward to continuing my relationship with the game, albeit from a different seat. Thank you to everyone who has made my time in footy so incredibly rewarding."
AFL CEO-Elect Andrew Dillon is said to be working through the 'final stages' of deciding a new EGM of football, a position previously filled by now-Essendon coach Brad Scott in 2022.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale and acting AFL GM of football operations Laura Kane loom as prime candidates for the vacant EGM position.