FORMER Victorian football boss Tony Pignata has been appointed chief executive of Wellington Phoenix FC.

The 42-year-old Australian will lead the club in its first season in the Hyundai A-League and brings a wealth of commercial and football experience to the organisation.

Pignata’s career includes 18 years in investment banking, where he held senior marketing positions with National Australia Bank, AXA and HSBC.

More recently he was chief executive of Football Federation Victoria, overseeing management and growth of the game at state level.

He has an extensive background in football both as an administrator and a player, having played for more than 20 years and finishing his on-field career with Box Hill in the Victorian Premier League.

Pignata said he was looking forward to taking the reins at Wellington Phoenix FC as the club geared up for the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League season.

“I have a passion for football and I’m honoured to be appointed chief executive of the Wellington Phoenix, a club that I believe has everything going for it.

“And what we are doing at the Phoenix goes beyond just the club itself - I’m committed to helping build and develop professional football in the capital and beyond. It’s a challenging role and one that I’m really excited about.”

Wellington Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos was thrilled to have Pignata sign on to head the club.

“We had five high-calibre candidates shortlisted but we felt Tony’s obvious football and commercial nous made him a perfect fit for the Phoenix.

“He clearly has the skills and abilities to drive Wellington Phoenix FC forward and I have no doubt he will do just that, be it locally, nationally and internationally.”

Pignata will formally take up his role as chief executive of Wellington Phoenix FC on July 16.