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Brendon Gale, the architect behind Richmond's premiership dynasty, will become the inaugural chief executive officer of the Tasmania Football Club.
The announcement came the same afternoon Gale announced his departure as Richmond CEO at the end of the 2024 season.
The 55-year-old, who hails from Burnie on Tasmania's north-west coast, helped turn Richmond from perennial battlers to a footballing force on and off the field.
Under his reign, the Tigers won three premierships during a golden span that begun in 2017 and peaked with the 2020 flag, while signing up 100,000 members.
He will commence in his role with Tasmania early in the new year, and be responsible for transitioning the fledgling club from its foundation phase into its operational phase.
Gale will make key appointments including football department staff, which will shape the team's inaugural playing list ahead of its first game in 2028.
He will also spearhead the club's involvement in the construction of its new home — a 23,000 seat roofed stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point.
Devils happy to wait, team chair says
Tasmania Devils chair Grant O'Brien said Gale's appointment represented "an enormous vote of confidence in our club".
Tasmania's AFL club launched as Devils"Brendon is fully committed to focusing on completing his role at the Richmond Football Club in the same professional manner that has been a feature of his leadership at the club," Mr O'Brien said.
"While we are excited, we respect the fact that he has a big job to complete before we can welcome him home to Tasmanian football."
Mr O'Brien said the CEO's appointment delivered "another significant milestone for the Devils" and "clearly signifies the club progressing toward its debut season in 2028".
AFL boss welcomes appointment
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon congratulated Gale on his accomplishments at Richmond and on his appointment as the inaugural Devils CEO.
"Brendon is one the great leaders in our industry and has made an incredible impact on the Richmond footy club during his 15 years as chief executive," Mr Dillon said.
"His proven experience in establishing and leading high-performing environments see him as perfect fit as the first CEO for the Tasmania Devils and will see the club set up for success from the start.
"Brendon is an important appointment for Tasmania, and I want to congratulate Grant O'Brien and his team.
"I'm looking forward to continue working with Brendon in his current role at Richmond and then when he starts at the Devils next year."