James Sutherland, one of Australia’s foremost sporting administrators of the past 20 years, has joined the Geelong Football Club board as an appointed director.

Sutherland, a life-long Cats supporter and 20-year member, spent 17 years as CEO of Cricket Australia, leading the sport through a period of sustained growth and success.

During his time as CEO, Cricket Australia's revenue grew from $50 million to near $500 million in 2018. Over the same period, increases in attendances (up 137%), participation (up 250%), and sponsorship (up by over 500%) were also achieved.

The launch of the highly successful Big Bash League, the enormous growth in women’s cricket, and numerous world cup victories (men's and women's) are other notable outcomes from Sutherland's tenure.

“James has such a wide breadth of experience in many facets of the sporting industry, and to be able to add him to the Cats board is a significant step for the club,” Geelong Football Club president Colin Carter said.

“There is nothing in the world of sport that James has not worked through, and he has done so with great success over a long period. He is a strong leader and we are looking forward to his knowledge and expertise helping the club in his role as a director.”

Sutherland is delighted to join the club he has supported through his life.

"I am delighted to accept the invitation to join the board,” Sutherland said.

“The AFL industry is highly competitive - on and off the field - and I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the executive team to ensure continued growth and success for the Geelong Cats."

Sutherland has strong Geelong roots, having grown up in Corio and completing his schooling in Geelong. He is an Ernst & Young trained Chartered Accountant with experience within the AFL industry, having been Carlton’s finance manager in the mid-1990s.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and completed the Executive Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2011.

Sutherland is a former first-class cricketer having represented Victoria between 1991-94 and is an Elite Level coach, who was assistant coach of the Victorian men's team in 1998-99.