Queensland gains a football friend

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, announced on Tuesday that FFA's longstanding Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan, has resigned to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Major Events Corporation.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, announced on Tuesday that FFA's longstanding Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan, has resigned to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Major Events Corporation.

"While I am very pleased for John at this exciting career move for him, he will be a great loss to FFA," Buckley said.

O'Sullivan has been with FFA since January 2004 commencing as General Manager, Commercial Media and Events then moving into the position of Head of Commercial Operations in 2005 and finally Chief Commercial Officer in late 2007.

"In his time at FFA, John has been instrumental in the significant growth experienced by the organisation as it has moved from a business with approximately $25m turnover to one of over $90m."

Buckley said that the 'key drivers' of this success have been the broadcast and sponsorship partnerships which O'Sullivan has secured and managed and the national team's event schedule.

"FFA is very proud to enjoy partnerships with many of Australia-s top companies, iconic brands and major stadiums and the success of our enduring relationships with these partners is attributable to John and his commercial operations team."

"He has also overseen the successful delivery of many major events including Qantas Socceroos qualifiers and friendly matches, Hyundai A-League finals and the Sydney FC v LA Galaxy match in November 2007."

Qantas Socceroos opponents brought to Australia during O'Sullivan's time include Argentina and the Netherlands.

"He was also an integral member of the team that succeeded in Australia joining the Asian Football Confederation and more recently the Hyundai A-League expansion process."

"John brings to his work a wealth of experience in the sports and entertainment area, great commercial acumen and a genuine commitment to developing and building great relationships with our partners."

"At a personal level, he has provided invaluable support to me and the rest of the FFA management team," Buckley said.

O'Sullivan will take up his new Brisbane-based role on 1 March 2010.