Western Bulldogs appoint Nike executive David Stevenson as new chief executive

Fairfax reports, and the Bulldogs website confirms, that the Western Bulldogs have formally appointed David Stevenson to be their new CEO after a process lasting three months.

Stevenson has been part of Nike management for the past 17 years, ascending to the role of vice president of sales for the sporting goods manufacturer’s emerging markets. He has been based in Oregon, but decided to return home to Melbourne to take up the position at the Whitten Oval. He was selected by a special sub-committee from a short-list of 12 applicants. The Bulldogs had used international recruiting giant Egon Zehnder in their selection process, while the final round of interviews were watched by AFL general manager of clubs and league operations Travis Auld. AFL boss Gillon McLachlan also spoke to Stevenson prior to final decision being made.