Auld confirmed as AGPC boss, Little leaves post

After more than two decades in football, Travis Auld has officially been announced as the new CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

Last week Auld was widely tipped as the frontrunner to be Andrew Westacott’s replacement with the latter departing the Australian Grand Prix Corporation after 12 years in charge.

In addition to the AFL’s Chief Financial Officer and Manager of Broadcasting, Clubs and Fixtures being appointed, there will be further changes at the top.

After reports Australian Grand Prix Corporation chair Paul Little was expected to stand down, he has announced that is the case.

Auld missed out on the race to become the new AFL CEO to replace the departing Gillon McLaughlin, with Andrew Dillon being preferred, but is highly respected in sporting circles.

Travis Auld arrives at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation having left a “lasting impact” on the AFL. Image: AFL

He played a big role in keeping the AFL going during the COVID-19 years, while he has also spent stints running the Gold Coast and Essendon Football Clubs.

After Westacott’s 12-year term ended on June 30, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s legal and general counsel manager Dale Nardella became the interim chief executive.

But come August 14, Auld will be in the big chair as announced by acting Sport and Tourism Minister 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,” he said.

“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.”

A record crowd of 441,631 witnessed Andrew Westacott’s last Australian Grand Prix in 2023. Photo by Zak Mauger / LAT Images

Having spent over 20 years in the football world and been the AFL’s Chief Financial Officer and Manager of Broadcasting, Clubs and Fixtures since 2014, Auld is excited to drop the green flag on his motorsport career.

“I am looking forward to leading one of the biggest and best international events in the country,” he said.

“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.”

Auld will take over the Australian Grand Prix Corporation which promotes the Formula 1 and MotoGP races down under held at Albert Park and Phillip Island respectively, which deliver more than $2.5 billion annually to the Victorian economy.

But Auld will do so with a new chair as Little has confirmed he will not continue his role beyond September, despite hoping for another five-year term.

Departing Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott and chair Paul Little. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

“I am immensely proud of my time as chair of AGPC, and everything we have achieved,” he said.

“In particular surviving three cancelled Grand Prix due to Covid, minimising losses and retaining our staff.

“Cementing strong relationships with commercial rights holders, F1 and Dorna, including securing Melbourne’s place on the F1 calendar until 2037.

“Hosting two spectacular Australian Grand Prix in 2022 and 2023, which set new international records in terms of attendance, as well as TV and digital coverage.

“Growing an incredibly strong and committed board, management team and staff, I will miss working with all of them.

“Sharing in the passion of so many Australians who love motor racing.

“With a new CEO and the changing of board appointments, the organisation is now clearly in a time of transition.

MotoGP has raced at Phillip Island since 1997. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images)

“My term comes to an end in September and I will not be reappointed.

“I wish everyone at AGPC every success for the future in continuing to run the best global events for F1 and MotoGP.”

Despite the revelation, Little said he knows the AGPC is in safe hands under Auld.

“I am very pleased to announce Travis as our new CEO who brings a wealth of sports, entertainment and business experience,” he said. 

“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.”

A potential candidate to replace Little could be former Labor minister Martin Pakula, who has attended many Australian Grands Prix and presented trophies on the podium.

After his term as Labor minister finished, Pakula has been conducting an advisory role with the AFL this year where he has been reporting to Auld.

Martin Pakula (right) chats with former Formula 1 chair Chase Carey at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. Photo by Steven Tee / LAT Images

However, he shutdown speculation with a statement on Monday stating he has “not been offered or accepted any role”.

The Formula 1 race is contracted to stay in Melbourne annually through to 2037, while the MotoGP contract runs out after 2026.

In addition to a new MotoGP contract, things on Auld’s plate will include crowd control after spectator track invasions.

The addition of Auld to the motorsport fold is a notable one, with McLaughlin making it clear the major contribution Auld made on the AFL.

“Trav’s ability to navigate complex scenarios, complimented by his collaborative approach and work ethic has led to many great outcomes for the industry. Leading his broad portfolio at the AFL is not an easy role and he has done an extraordinary job. He leaves with the respect and admiration of our team at the AFL and all our key stakeholders,” McLachlan said.

“Trav leaves our game having made a lasting impact, and I personally wish to thank him for his leadership, counsel and, importantly, his friendship as a long-standing member of our AFL Executive team.”

MotoGP returns to Australia on October 20-22, while the 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix on March 22-24.

Main image: Getty Images

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