AFL chief Gaudry backs affirmative action

The AFL has its first female club chief executive in new Hawks boss Tracey Gaudry, who says she's very aware of the responsibility such a position entails.

The AFL has its first female club chief executive in new Hawthorn Hawks boss Tracey Gaudry. (AAP)

Incoming Hawthorn chief executive Tracey Gaudry has backed policies that help women to reach leadership positions in elite sport.

In what has long been a male-dominated industry, Gaudry's appointment is a first.

When the two-time Olympic cyclist starts the position at the end of the month, she will become the first female full-time chief executive at an AFL club.

But the 47-year-old won't find it a new experience.

Gaudry broke ground to become a vice-president of cycling's global governing body, a role she will continue while at the Hawks.

"I was the first woman appointed to the board of the international cycling union in 116 years and I'm still the only woman on that board. That's a tragedy," she said on Monday.

"What I understand and know about these types of milestones is that there's a lot of responsibility with being first.

"Leading from the front sometimes seems like the easy place but it's not."

Gaudry's appointment has few equivalents in Australian sport.

AFL rivals Richmond are chaired by Peggy O'Neal.

Raelene Castle is NRL club Canterbury's chief executive, while Wests Tigers also boast a female chairperson - Marina Go.

Betty Klimenko runs Supercars team Erebus Motorsport.

Despite the dearth in female leaders in executive positions for predominantly male sports, Gaudry said she was a late convert to affirmative action.

Affirmative action-style policies aim to favour groups of people that are discriminated against.

Gaudry said it was a big debate worldwide.

"In my mind I'm not one for affirmative action. Perhaps that's because as a person I've found the strength to find a way through," she said.

"However there are often subconscious prejudices in society and subconscious behaviours in organisations and systems.

"When you find that the softly, softly work to bring about societal change isn't working at that point I believe, and I've come around on the belief, that on occasions affirmative action is needed."

Gaudry noted with pride that four of Hawthorn's executive team would be women, giving the club a 50-50 split.