St Kilda have announced Carl Dilena has been appointed as the club's new Chief Executive Officer.
Dilena joined the Saints in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer but in January stepped up as acting CEO after the departure of Simon Lethlean.
Dilena has more than 30 years of experience and a vast career history. He served as North Melbourne's CEO from 2013-2019 and also played 33 VFL games for Fitzroy and North Melbourne between 1989 and 1992.
Dilena expressed that he is very eager to start the role on a permanent basis.
“I am very excited to continue in the role of CEO at the Saints,” Dilena said in the club's announcement.
“I've had the privilege of working at St Kilda for a year and a half now and have done my best to immerse myself in the club culture and history.
“St Kilda is a proud foundation club, with clear goals and a very loyal and deserving supporter base.
“I look forward to playing my role in helping the club take strides towards achieving its goals and rewarding the passion and investment of our members and fans.”
Club President Andrew Bassat stated the club is very pleased to appoint Dilena.
“We are delighted to appoint Carl to the role of Chief Executive Officer of St Kilda Football Club,” Bassat said.
“Carl is a highly credentialed and respected member of our club, and we could not be more confident with him stepping into the role permanently.
"Through a thorough process, conducted by external consultants Maritana Partners, Dilena's ability shone through.
“We knew from the outset that Carl would be a very strong candidate, and this was only reaffirmed further through hearing his submissions and thoughts on the future of the club.
“We are in an exciting period for St Kilda as we seek to build a successful and sustainable club both on and off the field.
“I know I speak for our entire Board in congratulating Carl, his wife Simone and daughters Isabel and Sophie on this appointment, and I look forward to working closely with Carl for years to come.”
