Danny Townsend is set to become the full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) in the first half of 2022.
This means that Townsend is set to depart his current role with Sydney FC as the CEO, once the search for a new Sydney FC CEO is complete.
Under his stewardship, Sydney FC won 11 trophies across the A-Leagues including signing numerous lucrative sponsorship deals.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow thanked Danny for his time and contributions to the club.
“I would like to thank Danny for the exceptional contribution he has made to our club over the last four years.
“His leadership, professionalism, dedication and passion have been central to our club’s success both on and off the field.
“I am very pleased that Danny will remain within the A-Leagues. I wish him all the very best as he transitions to his new role over the coming months and look forward to continuing to work closely with him to deliver on Australian football’s great potential.”
Townsend, who will remain in the CEO role at the Sky Blues into the new year spoke on his departure from the 2021 A-League finalists.
“I still have a number of key projects I am looking forward to seeing through over the coming months and working in transition with a new Chief Executive,” he said.
“My role as APL CEO will enable me to put all of my efforts into ensuring Sydney FC and every A-League club reaches their full potential.
“Sydney FC is in an exceptionally strong position with an exciting future and two world class facilities, Sky Park and the new Sydney Football Stadium, less than 12 months away.
APL Chairman Paul Lederer welcomed the appointment of Townsend to the CEO position, transitioning from his current role as Managing Director.
“In a year of significant developments and progress for APL, the transition of Danny Townsend as full-time CEO is one of the most important. Danny’s commercial acumen, passion for football and boundless energy stand him apart as the most dynamic leader in Australian sport.
“Danny and APL’s Executive Leadership Team have achieved significant results since professional football unbundled from football’s governing body in December 2020, including delivery of a new brand, a major broadcast rights deal with ViacomCBS and most recently the announcement of capital investment from Silver Lake. With this realised, and Danny Townsend leading APL in a full-time capacity, we can really accelerate APL’s digital transformation and support its continued momentum and ambitious vision for long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Image Source: Sydney FC
