The AFL's ongoing success was a major influence for Adrian Anderson as he oversaw sweeping reforms at Cycling Australia (CA).
Anderson's term as interim CA chief executive ended on Friday.
The former AFL football operations manager was brought in late last year to help overhaul CA, which was suffering deep-seated governance and financial problems.
The size of the task meant his original term was extended by several weeks.
Anderson said the AFL had benefited enormously from switching to its commission structure in the mid-1980s.
"It's made a very deep impression on me," he said.
"It's not very sexy, but governance is absolutely crucial for long-term success.
"You can see it was the turning point for the AFL in terms of making good decisions in the best interests of the game."
Anderson has overseen a new constitution for CA and other major governance reforms.
Over the next two to three months, the body will announce a new board and permanent chief executive.
"I feel that we've really laid some important foundation stones for the future," Anderson said.
Anderson also negotiated the end of a joint business venture that was causing major financial problems for CA.
"There's a massive improvement," he said of CA's financial state.
Anderson spent time at British Cycling last year and said he was involved in preparing a business plan for CA's future.
"It's no secret - and I think the states agree - that CA needs to become an organisation that is more relevant to cyclists at all levels of the sport," he said.
CA president Gerry Ryan said Anderson had made a significant contribution to the sport.
"He should be proud of the job he has done to help get cycling back on the right path for a healthy future and I'm confident that he will remain a long-term friend of the sport," Ryan said.
CA's chief operating officer Melinda Tarrant will be acting CEO until the permanent appointment is made.
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