James Johnson is stepping down as chief executive of Football Australia, the national soccer body, after more than five years in the role.
He informed the board of his decision to resign this week but has agreed to a request to support the governing body to finalise key projects and will work with the board and interim chief executive to “ensure a smooth transition.”
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Football Australia has named current director and former women’s national team player Heather Garriock as interim chief executive. Garriock has also resigned from the board of the organisation.
The national body has credited Johnson with overseeing one of the most successful periods in Australian soccer history.
During this time, Johnson guided Australian soccer through the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering record revenue growth, and led Football Australia’s successful bid and hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
Under his tenure, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
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By GlobalDataJohnson joined the governing body in January 2019, replacing the long-serving David Gallop, who departed following significant restructuring in Australian soccer.
He was previously the senior vice-president of external affairs at City Football Group, which owns or has a stake in several clubs worldwide, including Melbourne City, of Australia's A-Leagues.
He also held prior positions at the Asian Football Confederation, Australia’s professional soccer players' union, and as senior manager for member associations at FIFA.
Johnson said: “It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past five-and-a-half years. As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.
“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure.”
Football Australia chair Anter Isaac added: “James has guided Football Australia through extraordinary challenges and leaves a great legacy. We wish him every success for the future.”
Johnson departs having secured an extended long-term domestic broadcast partnership with the Paramount media giant’s Australian arm last year.
Paramount, through its commercial channel Network 10, its 10 Play free OTT service, and the Paramount+ paid OTT offering, will serve as the exclusive broadcaster of Australian national team fixtures through 2028.
