Mike McKenna has a background in marketing and administration from professional services, AFL (including Essendon) and Cricket Australia. He joined VenuesLive in 2016 to become chief executive of the new Perth Stadium (subsequently known as Optus Stadiium). He was executive general manager of operations at Cricket Australia and played a key role in the stewardship of all its marketing and commercial programs for 11 years. Mr McKenna was architect of the hugely successful Big Bash League – a benchmark for sports, media and entertainment in Australia. Prior to his roles at Cricket Australia, Mr McKenna was general manager of commercial operations at Essendon Football Club for seven years from 1998. During a period of significant transformation for Essendon and for AFL, Mr McKenna led the Essendon club’s move to Etihad Stadium.
