St Kilda has announced Carl Dilena as its new CEO following Simon Lethlean’s departure from the role earlier this year.
First joining the Saints as Chief Operating Officer in 2022, Dilena had been serving the CEO role on an interim basis since Lethlean’s exit in January, but now takes the reins permanently.
The 57-year-old served 12 years on North Melbourne’s board including seven years as managing director and CEO. He also played 33 VFL games for Fitzroy and North Melbourne from 1989 to 1992.
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Dilena otherwise brings a wealth of over 30 years of experience in multiple industries including football, corporate and organisational leadership, finance, strategy and major projects.
“We are delighted to appoint Carl to the role of Chief Executive Officer of St Kilda Football Club,” Saints president Andrew Bassat said.
“Carl is a highly credentialed and respected member of our club, and we could not be more confident with him stepping into the role permanently.
“We knew from the outset that Carl would be a very strong candidate, and this was only reaffirmed further through hearing his submissions and thoughts on the future of the club.
“We are in an exciting period for St Kilda as we seek to build a successful and sustainable club both on and off the field.
“I know I speak for our entire board in congratulating Carl, his wife Simone and daughters Isabel and Sophie on this appointment, and I look forward to working closely with Carl for years to come.”
Dilena said: “I am very excited to continue in the role of CEO at the Saints.
“I’ve had the privilege of working at St Kilda for a year and a half now and have done my best to immerse myself in the club culture and history.
“St Kilda is a proud foundation club, with clear goals and a very loyal and deserving supporter base.
“I look forward to playing my role in helping the club take strides towards achieving its goals and rewarding the passion and investment of our members and fans.”
