Darren Chandler Appointed SANFL CEO

The South Australian Football Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Chandler as the new SANFL Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Chandler was confirmed as the successor to CEO Jake Parkinson, taking over the role on November 16 this year.

Mr Chandler, 47, is currently General Manager Operations and Commercial at Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority, a position he has held for the past eight years.

Prior to this he was SANFL’s General Manager of Football and Corporate Operations (2009-2012), and CEO of Glenelg Football Club (2002-2008).

His longstanding career in football first began in game development, playing a major role in the introduction of the Auskick program in South Australia. He subsequently moved into key management roles within SANFL overseeing game development, the State League competition and country leagues before progressing to the leadership role at Glenelg.

Commission Chairman Rob Kerin has welcomed Mr Chandler’s return to SANFL, saying his previous experience with the organisation in senior administrative roles, together with his strong connections with SANFL Clubs and stakeholders, positioned him well to lead the organisation into the future.

“Darren’s experience and proven leadership with the Stadium Management Authority demonstrated to the Commission that he is the best person to lead South Australian football into the future,” Mr Kerin said.

“Darren has the capabilities to successfully deliver on SANFL’s vision and strategic objectives, to enable development and growth of football competitions and programs in South Australia.

“Darren has a comprehensive background and first-hand knowledge of SANFL over many years, as a player, at SANFL Club level, within the League and in senior administrative roles.

“He has played a key role in the success of Adelaide Oval and, with his passion for SANFL and the game, is ideally placed to take on the position of CEO.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Darren Chandler to lead SANFL.”

An underage and reserves player at Glenelg and League player at West Adelaide, Mr Chandler said his passion for the game and the opportunities it provides young people was a key factor in his decision to take on the CEO role.

“I’m looking forward to working with the SANFL Clubs, AFL and AFL Clubs, SANFL staff and the wider football community to navigate through the current COVID landscape and rebound as quickly as possible.”

SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson announced in July that he would be stepping down from the role on October 31 after six years with the organisation to explore other career options.