Following the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, 24 May, Football Queensland welcomes newly appointed Board Director Adam Leake to the FQ Board of Directors and confirms the re-election of Ross Thompson, while acknowledging the contributions of outgoing Board Director Jackie Knight.
Leake’s endorsement by FQ Members and subsequent appointment at the 2024 AGM follows an extensive search process conducted by Football Queensland, who sought candidates with skills and experience aligned to key elements of FQ’s Board Skills Matrix. Football Queensland thanks those who submitted an expression of interest.
An experienced Board Member, Financial Executive and Chartered Accountant with an extensive track record of growth across fitness, sport, retail and financial services, Leake is currently the Chief Financial Officer of PeopleIn Ltd, Australia’s largest listed labour and skills provider.
In addition to his previous roles including CFO and Head of Finance at Suncorp Bank and senior finance positions with Flight Centre, Ernst & Young (London), Banco Santander and American Express, Leake also boasts extensive experience in key executive and non-executive roles including as Non-Executive Director at Greening Australia (Audit and Risk Committee).
As an Executive-Director and CFO of the Fitness and Lifestyle Group, the owner of Fitness First, Goodlife, Jetts and Zap Fitness across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, he played an integral role in driving the financial management, digital innovation and expansion of the group from 42 clubs to over 530.
Football Queensland also wishes to thank outgoing Board Director Jackie Knight, who has stepped down from the FQ Board after serving three consecutive terms.
During her tenure, Knight oversaw the implementation of the generational Future of Football 2020+ reforms which lowered the cost of football for every Queenslander by delivering best practice governance and administration of the game.
Bringing strong financial acumen to the Board, she played a crucial role in leading the organisation through complex periods of change with strong fiscal management, highlighted by FQ’s continued financial success which has enabled significant investment in the growth and development of the game.
During Knight’s tenure Football Queensland also recorded incredible growth in participation, particularly in women and girls, and secured record government investment at every level of the game.
“Jackie’s contribution to Football in Queensland is immeasurable,” FQ President Paula Robinson said.
“She has been one of the hardest working Board members I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and she leaves big shoes for any new Board members to fill.
“She’ll be sorely missed, but I know will remain a long-term valued member of the Football Queensland family.”
Newly appointed Board Director Adam Leake joins Paula Robinson, Amy Chapman, Matt McKay, Ross Thompson and Marty Buttigieg on the FQ Board of Directors.
