Prominent sports administrator Travis Auld will take the wheel as the new CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC).
Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Ben Carroll announced the details today, confirming Mr Auld will commence on 14 August.
Mr Auld’s appointment follows a globally competitive recruitment process and will see him bring a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held the position of Executive General Manager Finance, Clubs and Broadcast at the AFL since 2014.
He has also held senior positions at AFL clubs including the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Coast Suns and Chief Operating Officer at Essendon Football Club.
Mr Auld replaces Andrew Westacott who joined the AGPC as General Manager of Operations in 2006 before being appointed CEO in February 2011 – the longest serving AGPC CEO.
Mr Westacott concluded his tenure on 30 June, with General Manager of Legal and General Counsel, Dale Nardella, acting as CEO until Mr Auld commences.
The AGPC works to promote its two world-class international events the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Both events contribute significantly to Victoria’s major events calendar, which delivers more than $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
This year’s Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix was bigger than ever before – with a record crowd of more than 440,000 people flocking to Albert Park over the four-day race weekend in April. The event is contracted to race at Albert Park until 2037.
The demand for two-wheeled action is just as strong, with the 2022 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix attracting more than 91,000 spectators – the best attended event since 2012.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is locked in at Phillip Island until 2026. Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 event, which will see the world’s best riders go wheel to wheel around the iconic circuit from 20 – 22 October. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: motogp.com.au
As stated by Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Ben Carroll
“Travis is a driven leader and is well placed to ensure the AGPC builds on its recent growth to deliver two of the most prestigious motorsport events in Australia.”
“I look forward to working with Mr Auld and the AGPC Board to ensure that we continue to deliver the best motor racing events anywhere in the world that bring big benefits to our state.”
“I’d also like to thank Andrew Westacott for his dedicated leadership of the AGPC over the past 11 years – he did an outstanding job.”
As stated by newly appointed Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld
“I am looking forward to leading one of the biggest and best international events in the country. I want to thank the Victorian Government, specifically the Premier and Sports Minister along with the AGPC Board led by Paul Little for the opportunity to lead the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.”
“The possibilities are endless on the back of the extraordinary growth that F1 has experienced globally along with Moto GP going from strength to strength. My role is to ensure we deliver two world class events that are the best possible experience for drivers, riders, teams, and fans from across the globe.”
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation Board Chairman Paul Little AO
“I am very pleased to announce Travis as our new CEO who brings a wealth of sports, entertainment and business experience.”
“Travis is an outstanding leader and person and he joins the Corporation at an exciting growth period for both our major international events in Formula 1 and MotoGP.”
