Frank Lowy, the outgoing chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA) is to be succeeded by his son. after he was confirmed as one of four candidates to be elected unopposed onto the governing body’s board.
Lowy Jr, the co-chief executive officer of Westfield, the company co-founded by his father, joins the FFA board along with former Socceroo and lawyer Daniel Moulis, investment banker Crispin Murray and Commonwealth Bank executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin.
Their names were put forward following a selection process overseen by deputy FFA chairman Brian Schwartz – one of Lowy Sr’s closest allies – and conducted by a headhunting firm.
Lowy Sr has come under fire for the process, which Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin described the process as “fatally flawed”. All four candidates have previous ties to Lowy or his business interests.
“It is very disappointing to not get any seconders when you consider the majority of A-League clubs have seen fit to put forward a candidate,” Griffin told The Australian.
“It is a disturbing result when one considers the input that the A-League clubs have had in terms of their contribution to the health and welfare of the game in this country.
“There is a good reason why the majority of A-League clubs refused to participate in [the Egon Zehnder] process. They select who they want to put forward. Then it goes to the existing board to decide who they want to recommend. Why would anyone put themselves through that process?”
Schwartz said the new board was selected based on the experience and qualifications of each individual.
“The Committee’s charter was to identify candidates that would result in a board with a blend of corporate experience in strategy, governance, finance, marketing and new technology combined with football experience and international business at the highest levels,” he said.