The Sydney Swans are pleased to announce the appointment of lawyer and former AFL player Charlie Gardiner as Sydney’s new Head of Football.
Gardiner, a lawyer at leading Melbourne law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler, will succeed Tom Harley, who will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of current CEO and Managing Director Andrew Ireland on December 21.
The new Swans recruit brings a wealth of AFL and legal experience to the role.
Gardiner played 63 AFL games for Geelong and St Kilda from 2002-2008, during which time he was also Geelong’s delegate to the AFL Players’ Association.
Since leaving football, Gardiner has worked as a litigation lawyer in Arnold Bloch Leibler’s dispute resolution and litigation team where he is currently a senior associate.
Outside of his professional life, Gardiner is husband to Melissa and has two boys, Jonno and Edward.
Incumbent Head of Football Tom Harley said he is rapt with the appointment.
“Charlie proved himself to be the outstanding candidate to fill this important role during our extensive recruitment process,” Harley said.
“Importantly, he brings elite AFL experience coupled with legal and commercial acumen from his time as a senior associate at one of Melbourne’s top law firms.
“Charlie is an outstanding person with strong values, which clearly align with our club values.
“I have the utmost confidence in his ability to work with our senior coach John Longmire and the other members of our Football Department.
“We look forward to welcoming Charlie, Melissa, Jonno and Edward to the Sydney Swans family.”
Gardiner will officially commence in the role on November 1.
