After much speculation, former AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has joined the board of Crown Resorts, the operator of Crown Casino.

In appointing him, Crown CEO James Packer said Demetriou will bring his years of experience as an AFL chief with him to help manage projects Crown undertakes.

“Andrew brings to the Crown Resorts Board his vast experience in managing a complex organisation including dealing with multiple stakeholders, as well as an excellent understanding of the Australian consumer and media,” he said in a statement.

Before taking his seat at Crown, his appointment must get gaming regulatory approval.

He will join former senator Helen Coonan, former Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon and media kingpin Harold Mitchell on the Crown board.

Demetriou also took a board role with sports marketing company, Bastion Group, a week after leaving as AFL CEO.

Demetriou resigned from his post at the AFL in June this year after 10 years of service.