Essendon appoint Roberts as Chief Executive Officer

The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce that Tim Roberts has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Roberts joined the Club's Board as a director in 2022 and was elevated to the position of Vice President in September 2025. Roberts will transition away from the role of Vice President but will continue to hold a board position in his role as Chief Executive Officer.

The Essendon Board conducted a broad market study, followed by a targeted search and then identified Roberts as the best candidate for the position and to lead the Club forward.

With over 30 years at construction consulting firm WT Partnership, Roberts rose through the ranks to lead the organisation internationally. With a growth mindset he has been at the helm of large and complex projects across all major industry sectors including throughout Australia, Asia, Middle East, Canada and the United States. In his time at WT the business expanded significantly producing many industry leaders.

During his time on the EFC Board, Roberts has immersed himself in all areas of the Club including commercial operations, community programs and the football department strategy, playing a key role in reinvigorating the VFL program and establishing the AFLW team at Windy Hill.

Essendon President Andrew Welsh said that Roberts was the perfect leader to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

"Tim has successfully built global businesses across a range of industries and we are excited he can bring that experience and commercial acumen to his new role as CEO. Tim has been an outstanding contributor to the Club since joining in 2022 and his elevation to Vice President last year was a reflection of the value he was already adding to the Bombers.

"We have seen Tim's impact firsthand in his time on the Board and he was clearly the best candidate for what Essendon needs, someone who can strengthen our culture, provide continuity and allow us to execute our Club strategy.

"The Club has a talented executive team which has led the Club very well through some challenging times, and we wanted a new CEO to come in and complement that team. We are in a phase of growth as a Club and we want to deliver on the expectations of our members both on and off the field

"As part of our process, the Club canvassed a wide cross-section of candidates for the role. Tim’s understanding of the club and business acumen led him to being identified as a potential candidate and he was encouraged to join the process given the alignment of his skill set with the criteria set for the role.

“His intricate knowledge of the Club allows him to step straight into the role as CEO and continue the positive momentum we are building at the Club. His passion for the game and dedication to fostering talent within the Club will play a crucial role in our future success.

“Having Tim remain on the Board in his role as CEO, means we have total alignment, connection, and ownership in driving and executing our Club framework.

"Tim is a selfless leader who has strong internal relationships across the Club and with the AFL. He is the best person to lead the Essendon Football Club and we are excited to see him start in his new role and what the future will hold for the Club."

Tim Roberts said he was honoured to lead the Club into its next chapter.

"The platform for success has been created by those who have gone before me and I am proud to take on this challenge and continue Craig Vozzo’s incredible contribution.

“The Essendon I grew up barracking for were league leaders on and off the field, proud of the red and black and seen as a fierce, courageous, confident and bold club. That's my vision for this club and along with Welshy, our Board and leadership, we are determined to reclaim that space.

“Essendon is a club that should be consistently competing for finals and premierships, be embracing and impactful in our community and commercially sustainable.

"During my business career I learned that people are the cornerstone of your success and footy clubs are no different. We have terrific talent across our club through the Executive, coaches, staff and playing groups, and our focus is to get the best out of everyone, being galvanised and executing our club strategy."

Tim Roberts will commence in the role as CEO on 16 February, 2026.

The Club is also pleased to announce that Craig Vozzo has accepted a position to continue working with the Club as a List and Recruitment consultant, focusing on List Management strategy, recruiting, and salary cap management.

Essendon President Andrew Welsh said retaining Vozzo at the Bombers was an important priority for the Club.

"After Craig made the decision not to renew his contract as CEO and move back to Adelaide, we are rapt to have secured his services and bolstered our football department in the List Management space. Craig is held in the highest regard in football circles and to keep him involved continues to highlight our targeted approach of having the best people in specific areas throughout the Club.

"Craig has been a highly sought-after individual within the industry and made a significant impact at the Club in his time as CEO. We are excited to have secured his services in this new role, supporting the club including Tim and we look forward to his impact in a very important space for us."

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