Football Australia appoints Wiseman and Mentis to board

Football Australia has appointed Rachel Wiseman and Angela Mentis as directors after members ratified the appointments at an Extraordinary General Meeting on April 23.The governing body said the additions are intended to strengthen board expertise across commercial strategy, digital transformation, financial services and rights-linked operating environments as the organisation advances its strategic priorities.Football Australia chair Anter Isaac said: “We are pleased to welcome Rachel (Wiseman) and Angela (Mentis) to the Football Australia Board. These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen the Board’s capability across commercial strategy, digital transformation, financial services and major rights environments.“Rachel brings deep experience in media, sport and complex commercial negotiations, while Angela adds significant leadership in large-scale organisational, customer and technology transformation. Together, they complement the existing Board skillset and position Football Australia strongly to execute its strategic priorities and continue the organisation’s progression.”Wiseman will join as an appointed director from April 25 until November 30, 2027, with Football Australia highlighting more than 20 years’ experience across tourism, technology, media and entertainment in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.Her most recent executive role was at NRMA, where she served as chief executive officer, member capital, overseeing operating businesses, investments and mergers and acquisitions, alongside a strategy to diversify beyond motoring services into tourism and transport.Football Australia also pointed to previous roles at Tabcorp and Fox Sports Australia, where Wiseman worked in commercial development and business affairs, including negotiating agreements for sports rights.Mentis will fill an elected director casual vacancy from April 25 until the conclusion of Football Australia’s 2027 AGM, bringing more than three decades of senior financial services leadership across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the UK and the US.Her career includes 17 years at National Australia Bank, where she held senior roles including group executive for digital, data, analytics, innovation and partnerships, overseeing a large multi-market division.Football Australia noted Mentis also served as chief executive officer of the Bank of New Zealand from 2018 to 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the bank’s history.She currently holds non-executive director positions with Reece Group, FirstCape and TAL Group, alongside advisory roles, giving Football Australia added perspective on governance, risk and customer-led transformation.The appointments come as Football Australia continues to balance performance pathway delivery with commercial growth, including expanding digital engagement, strengthening partner value and operating within increasingly complex broadcast and rights settings.Football Australia said its 24th Annual General Meeting will be held in May, with details to be confirmed.