David Matthews was appointed CEO of the AFL’s newest AFL club, the GIANTS, in October 2011.

Prior to joining the GIANTS he was General Manager of National and International Development at the AFL.

As CEO, David has overseen the GIANTS’ entry into the AFL competition, the opening and ongoing development of ENGIE Stadium and the development of GIANTS HQ into an elite training and administration facility inside Sydney Olympic Park.

Under his direction, the GIANTS have not only established a host of successful commercial and community programs in both New South Wales and the ACT, but they continue to break new ground with their passionate membership base, having set a new membership record in each of the last four seasons to eclipse 37,000 members for the first time in 2025. 

A huge advocate for the introduction of the AFLW competition, David oversaw the club becoming an inaugural AFLW side as well as the club’s successful partnership with GIANTS Netball.

As well as incredible growth across the club – and in particular its membership base – David’s leadership has overseen an AFL program which continues to exceed outside expectations as the AFL’s youngest club – with the GIANTS now having made finals in eight out of the last 10 seasons [including the 2019 Grand Final] ahead of the 2026 campaign – a remarkable feat.

David is married with three children.