The AFL Commission has today accepted a recommendation from the Nominations Committee to appoint Robin Bishop to the Commission.

The Nominations Committee includes Richmond FC President Peggy O’Neal and Port Adelaide FC Chairman David Koch, and is Chaired by AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder.

Until he retired in 2016, Mr Bishop was on the Macquarie Group Management Committee and Head of Macquarie Capital Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the region’s largest and most active investment banking team of more than 300 staff.

One of Australia’s leading investment bankers, Mr Bishop has advised on some of Australia’s most significant mergers and acquisition and equity capital markets transactions across a range of sectors and markets. Among his many transactions, he advised the AFL on its $2.5Bn broadcast rights agreement in 2015.

AFL Commission Chairman Mr Richard Goyder said that Mr Bishop was the stand out candidate for the Commission, and would bring substantial financial and investment experience to the AFL.

“Growing and protecting the game requires strong financial management and investment, and the football community will be well served by Robin’s experience and counsel,” Mr Goyder said.

Mr Bishop said it was a privilege to be joining the AFL Commission, and he looked forward to serving the game.

“The AFL has deep roots in the sporting and cultural life of our country, and I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to the Commission.

“Like many Australians, I love the game and the impact it has in communities, and I appreciate the importance of building and growing its reach,” Mr Bishop said.

Mr Bishop holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts, all from the University of Melbourne. He is non-executive director of the Burnet Institute for Medical Research and a member of the Australian Takeovers Panel. Mr. Bishop and his family are all passionate Essendon fans