The three-time Olympic medallist will depart the Australian Olympic Committee to run AFLW as it expands towards a 14-team competition in 2020.

Livingstone, 46, is the first woman in charge of the competition. It had previously been the domain of AFL executive Simon Lethlean before his shock exit mid-year. Josh Vanderloo played a central role too but has now become the head of competitions and player movement, reporting to new football operations boss Steve Hocking.

Livingstone will join the league on December 4, two months out from the start of the second AFLW season.

A prominent media figure, Livingstone has been sitting on several boards, including the Sports Australia Hall of Fame, Swimming Australia, the AOC and Vic Health.

A champion backstroker, Livingstone represented Australia at the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning bronze in the 200 metre backstroke at the '92 Barcelona games in addition to a relay silver and bronze four years later in Atlanta. She is also a six-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

The move follows the AFL's long-awaited release of its updated respect and responsibility policy.

Livingstone said she was looking forward to the role. "The growth of women's AFL has been extraordinary," she said. "Every Australian girl can now actively pursue footy as their passion, pastime or career.

"Importantly, girls can now follow their dreams and as they do, we will continue to break down any barriers that may exist. I'm excited by the challenge of growing the sport from a community grass roots level right through to high performance along with ensuring the league is commercially sustainable."

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said it was a coup for the league. "It is fantastic to get a person of her quality to lead our new national league," he said.

"Our first season generated a groundswell of support, and I am thrilled that Nicole is going to join the team to turn that energy into a growing, sustainable and successful women's competition."