Melbourne United Owners

Travis Knipe - Majority Owner

Travis Knipe is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur, best known for his role in growing StarRez into a globally recognised technology company. Across more than three decades, he has led the business through significant international expansion, innovation and growth, building a strong reputation for leadership, culture and customer experience.

Alongside his business career, Travis is actively involved in community and charitable initiatives, while also maintaining a strong passion for sport and high-performance environments. His experience across business strategy, leadership and organisational growth brings valuable expertise to Melbourne United as the club continues its next phase of development.

Michael Schnieder - Board Member

Michael was appointed Managing Director, Bunnings Group in May 2017 following his appointment as Managing Director, Bunnings Australia & New Zealand in March 2016. Prior to this, Michael led the store operations teams across Bunnings Australia and New Zealand, after joining Bunnings in 2005.

Chris Moore - Owner

Chris has over 20 years of experience in project management and delivery of major infrastructure projects in Victoria and currently sits on various leadership and governance boards bringing a wealth of strategic experience. Chris leads a large team and believes that investment into his people is fundamental to any successful business, project or team. He previously ran his own independent construction services cost management business prior to returning to major project delivery. Chris has a diverse range of business interests including property and sports. After many years playing state level basketball, Chris is enjoying combining his love of sport and business.

As a Certified Financial Planner with over 20 years financial services experience, Callum Howard has spent the last 10 years in private practice successfully advising individuals, families and businesses in all areas of wealth management. Callum's ability to provide financial and strategic guidance is drawn from a wealth of business experience gained through interests in Childcare, Property, Healthcare & Transport. Basketball has always been a part of Callum's life, with a successful junior and senior representative career and post playing, continues to be involved through coaching and a number of positions on sporting boards.    

Callum Howard - Owner

Simon Kelly - Owner

Simon has had a playing and coaching interest in basketball since his junior days in Werribee. Holding a Bachelors of Commerce majoring in Sport Management, Simon has continued an active interest in sport throughout his professional life. Simon began his career looking after the fleet logistical needs of both Europcar and Hertz Australia. Simon has spent the last 15 years in a family owned group, with interests in education, technology and property. Having guided the group through 2 successful divestments to both an ASX listed company and venture capital backed national education provider, Simon is looking forward to developing and expanding his current ventures in the sports and leisure space.

Aaron Sansoni - Owner

Past Owners

Melbourne United would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our past owners for their commitment, passion and contribution to the club throughout their years of involvement. Their leadership, support and belief in the organisation played a significant role in shaping Melbourne United into the club it is today.

From continued investment in the growth of the business to supporting success on the court and strengthening the club’s connection with the community, their impact has helped build the strong foundations we continue to grow from. Quite simply, Melbourne United would not be where it is today without their contribution, and we are incredibly grateful for the legacy they leave behind.

Aaron Sansoni is a globally recognised entrepreneur, investor and business leader with extensive experience across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, education, consumer products and sport. Through his firm, Sansoni Management, Aaron has built and managed a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments, earning a strong reputation for strategic growth, innovation and commercial success.

With a lifelong passion for basketball and a deep understanding of business development, Aaron brings valuable commercial insight and entrepreneurial expertise to Melbourne United as the club continues to strengthen its position both on and off the court.

Melbourne United would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the past Chairmen of our Board for their leadership, guidance and commitment throughout a number of significant moments in our history. Across periods of growth, change and challenge - including the transition to Melbourne United, navigating the impacts of the pandemic, and helping shape the club’s long-term direction with our re-brand - their leadership played an important role in strengthening the organisation during these times.

Their support, vision and dedication have helped lay the foundations for the success and stability Melbourne United continues to build upon today, and we are incredibly grateful for their contribution to the club.

Past Chairmen

Past Non-Executive Director/Board Member

Melbourne United would also like to acknowledge and thank Michael Schneider for his valued contribution to the club as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member.

Throughout his years of service, Michael has provided trusted guidance, support and leadership across a range of important moments for the organisation. His commitment to the club and contribution at Board level have played an important role in helping Melbourne United continue to grow and evolve