Football Australia has ended its eight-month search for a new chief executive, appointing former Stan boss Martin Kugeler to lead the national soccer body.

He replaces James Johnson, who stepped down in May 2025 after more than five years in the role to join Canadian Soccer Business, the commercial arm of governing body Canada Soccer.

Since Johnson’s departure, former women’s national team player Heather Garriock has been leading Football Australia as interim CEO.

Garriock will remain with the organisation, transitioning into the role of executive director of football and deputy CEO, which the body called “a significant and newly-created role that ensures continuity, strong executive football leadership, and strategic alignment.”

Kugeler's appointment was confirmed after what Football Australia described as a “comprehensive, independent global search”, which was conducted by executive search firm Egon Zehnder.

Kugeler most recently served as chief executive of Stan, the online streaming platform owned by Australian commercial broadcaster Nine Network, and was previously chief financial officer and director of strategy, sport, business development, and product.

His career also includes leadership positions across major global media and telecommunications organisations.

Martin joins Football Australia at a key point, with Australia set to host this year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup, followed by the men’s national team’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Anter Isaac, Football Australia chair, said: “The global search was independent and highly competitive, and I am delighted to welcome Martin Kugeler as our new CEO of Football Australia.

“Martin brings a wealth of professional experience across operational excellence, innovation, finance, strategy, and global media to Football Australia – this is a rare combination and one that will deliver results for football in Australia.

“I have no doubt that he will continue to lift the bar on how we do things and what we can achieve together with all our stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.

Kugeler added: “There isn’t a sport in the country that can match the existing domestic and international footprint of football, or the potential for further growth inherent in our game.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Football Australia as CEO and help us realise our potential, with the clear ambition to drive growth and reach new heights in the sport that we love.

“I will be leading the team with a strong focus on innovation, robust professional structures, and enhanced commercial outcomes to increase investment back into the game.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely and collaboratively with all stakeholders of our game: our member federations, women’s council, local clubs, players, coaches, referees, volunteers, the APL as well as our commercial partners, governments, and our international federations FIFA and AFC.”

Football Australia credited Johnson with overseeing one of the most successful periods in Australian soccer history.

During this time, he 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.

He also played a key role in securing hosting rights for the upcoming Women's Asian Cup.  

Johnson departed 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.