Former Australian youth international James Johnson has been unveiled as Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) new Chief Executive Officer.

It’s understood Johnson is seen by the FFA as the ideal figure to align grassroots football in Australia with the head office and help oversee the transition of A-League clubs towards an independent entity.

Johnson arrives in the role with a wealth of experience under his belt having been the Senior Vice President of External Affairs with the City Football Group (CFG) most recently.

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The Board of Football Federation Australia today confirmed the appointment of respected international football executive James Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer.https://t.co/Fo9FmZak5l — Football Australia (@FFA) December 5, 2019

Queensland-born Johnson is also a major stakeholder in various football groups including Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).

Having out-polled rival Brendan Schwab to the job, Johnson will take over from David Gallop and is set to begin his new role in January 2020.

“Having run a domestic and international executive search, and in a strong field of candidates, we have no doubt James is the right person for the role. We are thrilled that he is coming back to Australia at this important time for the game,” FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said.

“Football is in James’ soul. He has demonstrated that he is a collaborative leader and team player and brings global and local experience and networks to the FFA. Importantly he also understands the importance of developmental pathways and the grassroots of the code having on the ground experience representing Australia as a member of the 1999 U-17 “Joeys” National Team and having risen through the ranks of football in Queensland in the 1990s.

“He is one of the few leaders in the sport who has spent his playing and executive career within the various stakeholder groups associated with football and in this time of change we think that matters.

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Johnson takes the reins from former CEO David Gallop Source: AAP

“James has inarguably made a meaningful contribution to the code globally. A lawyer by training, throughout his executive career, James has been at the centre of many major industry negotiations, managing multi-stakeholder situations and projects including currently representing Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) within the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and European Clubs Association (ECA) bodies in the ongoing reforms to the competition format, match calendar, financial distribution model and qualification pathway to the UEFA Champions League.

“In 2016, James received international recognition when Leaders™ listed him as one of its ‘Leaders under 40’ across all sports. He is also considered as having played a meaningful role in supporting the global leagues to form the World Leagues Forum.”

Johnson said: “Australian football is my first football community – I grew up here, I first watched football here, I’ve played here, and I built the basis of my football administration career here. I see my appointment as a responsibility to the game.

“I am looking forward to working with the Member Federations, the Women’s Council and all stakeholders across the game to build the unified and prosperous future the game deserves. We have much to do, and together we will build a shared vision for the future. One where the fans are engaged, the players fulfil their potential and the clubs at all levels thrive.”