MBA helps Maxwell slam dunk new CEO role

150321 maxwell grattonWhen Maxwell Gratton wanted to take his career in sports administration to the next level he knew an MBA could prove the difference.

After completing his degree in 2012, and being recognsied as Victoria University’s Most Outstanding MBA Student, he has been slam dunking career goals ever since.

After working in a number of roles at Football Federation Victoria, Maxwell was appointed CEO of Basketball ACT in 2014.

“I chose to enrol in Victoria University’s Bachelor of Arts (Sports Administration) degree because it placed equal emphasis on business and sport,” he said. “After working in the sport and recreation field for a few years I returned to study an MBA to enhance my career prospects.”

“The MBA gave me a holistic understanding and appreciation of the functions of business across an organisation.

We were encouraged to make connections with industry and apply learning to real business situations. The curriculum was well-rounded and the program had excellent teaching staff, great facilities and being based in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD was a bonus.

Prior to joining Basketball ACT Maxwell spent seven years with Football Federation Victoria, including four years as the Operations Manager (Special Projects & Discipline), managing the operations and development of the Geelong and Sunraysia football leagues, and the provision of administrative services to regional Victoria.

Maxwell has successfully managed all aspects of sporting association operations, including their competitions for thousands of players/members, finance, registrations, referees, talented athlete development programs, strategic and operational plans, and game development. He has extensive experience in finance including budget preparation, management and reporting. He also has a strong track record of stakeholder engagement, community consultation, marketing and communication, and sponsorship management.

Ben Ready
Ben Ready founded MBA News in 2014 and is the Managing Editor. He is a former business and finance journalist with Australian Associated Press (AAP) and Dow Jones Newswires in London. Ben completed his MBA in 2012 and was awarded the QUT GMAA Entrepreneurship Prize. He is also the founder and Managing Director of RGC Media & Mktng (rgcmm.com.au).