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The AFL's Richmond FC has named Shane Dunne as its new Chief Executive, replacing the outgoing Brendon Gale.

Dunne, who has been Chief Executive of Aligned Leisure, the club’s aquatic, fitness and recreation division business since 2017, is also Richmond FC General Manager.

Described as a "surprise choice" for the role by Melbourne newspaper The Herald-Sun, Dunne has been behind the growth of the AFL club's commercial operations and its current financial security.

Earlier this week, the Richmond FC posted a feature on the growth of Aligned Leisure since its creation in 2016.

He advised "if you think about what a footy club is good at around consumer marketing, keeping people fit and healthy and maintaining elite high-performance facilities, it is really transferable (to running community centres),

"Aligned Leisure is Richmond; it is a part of Richmond and is established and owned by Richmond.

"(However), we have created some brand separation. Unfortunately, not everyone barracks for Richmond, so Aligned Leisure is the public-facing component of it."

In eight years, Aligned Leisure has grown from a business that turned over $5 million annually and had 100 staff to an organisation of over 1800 employees that last year saw a turnover of $67 million.

Commenting on this, Dunne added "it has been steady growth over the last eight years.

"Now, it is one of the most significant parts of the club from a financial point of view, and it's really important to bring in revenue streams that can sustain the club long-term.

"Almost every sporting club in Australia is trying to diversify their business model, and Richmond has been incredibly successful at it, with Aligned Leisure being a big part of that."

Prior to joining Richmond FC/Aligned Leisure he worked in various roles for YMCA Victoria for almost 14 years, rising to Regional Development Manager.

The outgoing Gale is to take up the role of Tasmania Devil’s inaugural Chief Executive.

Click here to view Richmond FC's feature on the growth of Aligned Leisure.

Image: Shane Dunne. Credit: Aligned Leisure.

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