Brisbane Roar appoint former Aussie wonderkid as CEO in major boardroom shake-up

Brisbane Roar have made changes to their hierarchy, with former Australian prodigy Kaz Patafta appointed chairman and CEO, while ex-A-Leagues defender Zac Anderson takes on the role of chief operations officer.

Following chairman and CEO Chris Fong’s return to Jakarta at the request of The Bakrie Group, Brisbane have turned to the pair of young former Isuzu UTE A-League players to usher in a new era for the Roar – who also have a new head coach in Ross Aloisi.

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“We’re excited to be welcoming two highly decorated professionals with extensive experience and unique backgrounds to bring tremendous additional value to Brisbane Roar as a brand and top international football club,” Bakrie Group representative Helmi Rahman said. 

“Our new Executive team bring a wealth of knowledge, fresh ideas and perspective that will help benefit not only the club but football in Queensland.” 

Once regarded as “the most technically gifted player I’ve coached” according to Australian legend Ange Postecoglou, Patafta made a name for himself as a youth player for Portuguese giants Benfica before the Australia youth international spent time playing for Melbourne Victory (2007-08) and Newcastle Jets (2008-12) in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Since ending his professional career at the conclusion of the 2012 campaign, the 34-year-old has amassed experience in corporate law, specialising in commercial, energy, infrastructure projects, project finance and capital market transactions.

“Brisbane Roar is a foundation club and one that we want our members and fans to be extremely proud to support in guiding this new vision forward,” said Patafta, who was also invited to train with the Socceroos prior to the 2006 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

“We believe in developing and nurturing young & local talent, so that they can grow as people and as footballers.

“Our focus will be to reconnect the club with the football community throughout Queensland and establish a clear elite pathway from club and school football to the professional game.

“Our vision is to not only engage but to support local clubs by working together to grow participation, supporting more boys and girls to play the game.”  

Patafta is joined in the boardroom by former Gold Coast United, Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC defender Anderson, who has experience in the financial investment sector having founded Samara Capital.

The 32-year-old made his debut for Gold Coast in 2009 and spent three at the club before moving to the Mariners, where he was part of the team that won the 2013 Championship.

He also spent a stint with Sydney prior to spells in the Middle East and Asia.

“We want to build a club all of Queensland can get behind and is proud of, with a strong core of Queensland talent,” Anderson said. 

“Our mission is to be recognised by our fans, community, sponsors, stakeholders and peers as Australia’s most modern and progressive football club and producing Australia’s best talent and product.”