Federal politician Kate Ellis and leading international businessman Jim McDowell have taken up positions on the Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors.

Ellis fills a vacancy left by Kate Gould who recently stepped down to focus on personal business commitments, while McDowell is a new appointment on a three-year term.

Under the Club’s Constitution, the Board can comprise a maximum of nine Directors with two of those Member-elected.

Ellis, who was the Crows’ first female number one ticket holder, has been the Federal Member for Adelaide since 2004 and possesses almost a decade of experience as either a Minister or Shadow Minister.

Her portfolios have included sport, status of women, youth, early childhood and childcare among others.

During a long international career, McDowell was Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia and also led the defence and aerospace company’s operations in Saudi Arabia overseeing sales of more than $5billion a year.

He is the Chancellor of the University of South Australia, Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and has vast experience in corporate governance, holding board positions with a number of public and private companies.

Crows Chairman Rob Chapman welcomed both Ellis and McDowell.

“Jim will bring a global view to our future direction using experiences gleaned from nearly 40 years in a highly competitive industry sector, while Kate is well-known to South Australians and her passion, strong understanding of community issues and leadership will prove invaluable,” Chapman said.

“Importantly their skillsets will complement what other Directors already provide and with continued hard work the Club is well-placed to achieve its strategic goals.”

Ellis said she would use her experience with sports policy and governance, as well as strong community connections with South Australians, to strengthen the Club.

“It is an enormous privilege to be able play a role in securing the Club's future success as we build upon record membership, the hugely successful expansion into AFLW and strong off-field leadership,” she said.

McDowell said he was honoured by his appointment and the opportunity to support and enhance an organisation that is held in high regard by many South Australians and sporting fans in general.

“I have watched the Club make significant progress in recent times and look forward to using my wide range of industry and government experiences to assist in driving further growth,” he said.

Adelaide’s Board Directors are Rob Chapman (Chairman), Jim Hazel (Deputy Chairman), Bob Foord, Mark Ricciuto, Rod Jameson, Linda Fellows, Richard Fennell, Kate Ellis and Jim McDowell.

New Board Members Jim McDowell and Kate Ellis