Hawthorn appoints dual Olympian as CEO

The Hawthorn Football Club have appointed former professional athlete and dual Olympian Tracey Gaudry as the club's new Chief Executive Officer.

Gaudry is currently the General Manager - Commercial and Growth at Athletics Australia, and is also a Vice President of the world governing body for the sport of cycling, the UCI.

The former professional cyclist attended both the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and was ranked at number three in the world at the peak of her powers.

Hawthorn President Richard Garvey said the Hawks were over the moon with the appointment of their new CEO.

“We are delighted to welcome Tracey to the Hawthorn family,” Garvey said.

“Our process has been extensive and thorough and Tracey has impressed along every step of the way.

“She is a highly-respected figure in the national and international sporting industry and her passion, strong vision and intimate understanding of elite sports make her the perfect CEO for our football club.

“From the outset we have been clear about ensuring our new CEO was someone who could drive Hawthorn into the future.

“We are excited to have a CEO who comes from outside of the football world, someone with a different perspective who can drive innovation and change.

“Tracey is a passionate football fan and will bring great energy and leadership to the club.”

Gaudry is thrilled with her new role, and is excited to begin on May 29 after seeing out her contract at Athletics Australia.

“It is a privilege to have built a career in sport over two decades, and to have the opportunity to bring all of my knowledge and experience in national, international, sport-specific and whole-of-sport roles to Hawthorn Football Club,” Gaudry said.

“Growing up in regional Victoria I was the typical kid, kicking the footy about the oval on the weekend. Australia is a sporting nation with Australian Rules Football ingrained in our DNA and it’s the perfect time to join Hawthorn at such a progressive time for our national game.

“As and strong and successful club in the AFL, Hawthorn is not resting on its laurels as it strives to advance across all aspects of the club including the planned new home at Dingley, women’s football, youth academies and its contribution to the community.”