The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Di Pietro to the club's Board of Directors.
A passionate, lifelong Bombers supporter, Di Pietro brings a distinguished background as a long-serving sports administrator and influential businessman.
Di Pietro is the current Director and Group CEO of Premier Fresh Australia, one of the nation's leading fresh produce companies, where he has driven operations for more than 22 years.
Crucially, he is considered one of Australian sport's most influential figures, having served 13 years as Chairman of the Melbourne Victory Football Club and 18 years total as a club Director.
His tenure delivered major on-field success including two A-League Men's and three A-League Women's Championships, and built significant off-field assets, such as the renowned Victory in Business network and one of the country's strongest community departments. Di Pietro's expertise aligns perfectly with Essendon's strategic priorities.
Essendon President Andrew Welsh welcomed Anthony to the Essendon Board.
"The appointment of Anthony Di Pietro to our Board is a significant win for the club. We are not just gaining a lifelong Bomber supporter and member, but an influential leader who has spent nearly two decades navigating the business and administrative challenges of elite Australian sport," Welsh said.
"Anthony helped build Melbourne Victory into a powerhouse from the ground up. His emphasis on connection and respect throughout the Club created something special, establishing Victory as one of the premier destinations in Australian sport.
"The women's and junior programs he oversaw are a big reason why soccer has grown so significantly in this country. The foundation laid 10-15 years ago at Victory is still paying dividends today.
"Commercially, Anthony has been a trailblazer. He established Victory in Business, which has become one of the most successful commercial networks in Australian sport. That kind of strategic thinking and execution is exactly what we need as we continue to grow and connect the Club," Welsh said.
Di Pietro said he is honoured and excited to be joining the Board of Directors.
“I’ve been inspired by the ‘ALL IN, ALL HEART’ ethos of newly elected President Andrew Welsh,” Di Pietro said.
“I’m looking forward to supporting Andrew and the board as the Essendon Football Club embarks on its next phase of building on the foundations, with a hard-working and winning mentality.”
Di Pietro has been appointed to the board to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Dave Barham.
