Australian Sports Technologies Network founder James Demetriou steps down as chair after a decade

Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) has shaken up its executive leadership team with founder James Demetriou taking a back seat after more than a decade of championing local sportstech

Demetriou, ASTN’s chair and a former Essendon Bombers player and board member, will move into the role of Executive Director of Commercialisation and Partnerships for the next three years.

Board member Dr Martin Schlegel will take over as chair alongside Jasmine Lim as deputy chair.

Established in Geelong in 2012, ASTN became one of the first co-ordinated sportstech ecosystems  with the local sector growing by more than 170% to almost $3.1 billion revenue annually.

The business provides leadership in the commercialisation, development, and promotion of Australian-inspired sports technologies, with more than 500 organisations in its national network spanning everything from stadiums to performance, fan engagement, data, equipment, and smart apparel.

A decade ago Demetriou decided to step up when after witnessing  the lack of support and recognition of Australia’s sports technologists, scientists, academics and entrepreneurs.

“Those early pioneering companies Catapult, Champion Data and Fusion sports were not being recognised and I knew that had to change, especially if Australia was to continue to be a global leader in sport,” he said.

Dr Schlegel has been with ASTN for seven years and was program lead for ASTN’s Australian Sports Innovation Centre of Excellence (ASICE), helping to embed new and existing programs into the centre.

“I’m honoured to take the role of chair, helping to grow what James Demetriou started and continue his legacy. Demetriou has made a significant impact to Australia’s sportstech sector, and we are grateful for his dedication to ASTN over the past 10 years,” he said.

“Australia’s sportstech industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years but we’re only just getting started as we expand our national footprint. ASTN will continue to work closely with governments, companies and industry groups to strengthen the reach, international standing and reputation of the Australian sportstech startup ecosystem.”