Devils get their man: Gale lands back in Tassie, locked in as footy chief

The Penguin junior was officially unveiled as the Tasmania Football Club's chief executive officer on Friday, May 10 - ending months of speculation on whether he would fill the position.

News that the 55-year-old would be at the helm of the Devils from 2025 came just an hour after his departure from the Richmond Football Club was confirmed.

Gale's appointment strengthens the Coast's ties to the Devils, with chair Grant O'Brien also hailing from the North-West.

O'Brien was thrilled to announce Gale's appointment, glad the club had been able to lure a "proud son of Tasmania" home.

"This is an enormous vote of confidence in our club," O'Brien said.

"Brendon is fully committed to focusing on completing his role at Richmond in the same professional manner that has been a feature of his leadership at the club.

"And while we are excited, we respect the fact that he has a big job to complete before we can welcome him home to Tasmanian football."

O'Brien said that Gale's appointment was another significant milestone for the club and showed the Devils are progressing towards a debut in season 2028.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon welcomed Gale's appointment as the club's inaugural cheif.

"Brendon is one the great leaders in our industry and has made an incredible impact on the Richmond footy club," Dillon said.

"His proven experience in establishing and leading high-performing environments see him as perfect fit as the first CEO for the Tasmania Devils and will see the club set up for success from the start.

"I'm looking forward to continue working with Brendon in his current role at Richmond and then when he starts at the Devils next year."

Gale has an impressive resume both on and off the field, serving as the Tigers' CEO since late 2009.

During his tenure, he saw the club claim three premierships and become the first in the league to reach 100,000 members.