Lowy has spearheaded football's regeneration over the past 10 years, including three World Cup berths and the success of the A-League

But with his term set to expire in November 2015, as well as those of deputy chairman Brian Schwartz and director Phillip Wolanski, the FFA has announced the appointment of Simon Hepworth and Chris Nikou to the Board.

Hepworth, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Caltex Australia, and Nikou, senior partner at law firm K&L Gates, are due start a two-year term from October 16.

"The renewal process we see unfolding today shows that we are taking deliberate steps in the succession plan for the four-year period from 2015," Lowy said.

"We have two new directors who will add valuable skills and experience around the FFA boardroom table.

"Yesterday, we were able to brief our key stakeholders on the process of identifying candidates for nomination and election by the members at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) in November 2015.

"There's more work to be done and we will make sure there is a meticulous process to find the best available candidates to serve on the FFA Board in the post-2015 years."

The new directors are appointed to the Board as part of the FFA's succession planning with the expiry of Chris Rex's two-year term giving space for the appointments ©Getty Images


Hepworth and Nikou were identified by the succession process to fill current vacancies, including one created by the expiry of Chris Rex's two-year term this month.

Rex, the chief executive of Ramsay Health Care and a former Sydney FC director, was not able to take up a further term on the FFA Board due to international travel requirements with his executive position.

Lowy thanked Rex for his outstanding service to the FFA and Australian football and welcomed Hepworth and Nikou to the Board.

Nikou has previously served as a director with Football Federation Victoria and is part of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 Local Organising Committee, while Hepworth's football credentials include stints in semi-professional football in the United Kingdom and as both a qualified referee and junior coach.

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