Ex-FFA employee returns to head the A-League

De Buhun succeeds Western Sydney Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman and begins his role early next month after working as Executive General Manager, Game and Market Development for Cricket Australia since 2005.

He has also been employed as CEO of Football Federation Victoria (2003-04) and Operations Manager of the Hyundai A-League (2004-05).

"Damien has a wonderful mix of senior executive experience in the sports industry and a life-long passion for football," FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.

"His recent professional focus on game and market development is particularly relevant for the A-League and FFA's strategic objective to connect with the grassroots and convert participants into fans.

"I'm delighted to have secured a high-calibre executive in Damien. I know he has the right skills, energy and football administration knowledge to implement our goals for a stable and sustainable A-League."

De Bohun thanked FFA for the opportunity.

"Football has always been a big part of my life as a player, coach and referee," he said.

"... it's the professional challenge of managing the Hyundai A-League that has me most excited about the new role.

"I think the current structure of the A-League provides a very solid foundation to build on the growth in attendances, TV audiences and memberships last season and I can’t wait to get started."