AFL New Zealand has appointed Tom O’Keeffe as the Country Manager.
The appointment represents a significant milestone for AFL New Zealand as the organisation continues to expand its national footprint, strengthen connections to the local game and increase participation.
Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having previously held multiples roles at AFL New Zealand including KiwiKick Development Manager and Community and Digital Marketing Manager, before moving to the Kelly Group in 2022.
Tom has a track record in community development and participation growth and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the game in New Zealand.
In his new position, he will be responsible for managing the AFL’s operations and partnerships in New Zealand, driving growth outcomes across all program sectors and implementing a strong youth high performance pathway. He will lead a dedicated team at the forefront of community engagement, delivering development, competitions and high-performance programs across New Zealand.
AFL New Zealand Board Chair Trisha Squires congratulated Tom on the appointment.
“We are pleased to appoint Tom to the new role of AFL New Zealand Country Manager, after an extensive recruitment process” she said.
“Tom demonstrated a growth mindset and a clear desire to lead, build capability and drive expansion.
“We are excited to continue building our footprint across New Zealand with Tom leading from the front.”
Tom will commence the new role on January 19, 2026.
