Monochrome GT4 Australia Series Manager Matleena Pukkila has been named as the GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS Category Manager.
Pukkila will take on the prestigious role after current category manager Charise Bristow steps down from the role she has held since 2023 to pursuit new professional opportunities, and will oversee all 2026 GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS requirements.
A highly valued member of the SRO Motorsports Australia team, Pukkila will retain her position as Monochrome GT4 Australia Category Manager, with her GT World Challenge Australia duties to be added to her current portfolio.
Pukkila is highly experienced in the field and no stranger to the challenge of managing two categories, having served category management teams for a number of high-profile national series in the country, including Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, and also holding the position as the Bathurst 12 Hour event administrator.
Her time with SRO Motorsports Australia started last year when she held the role of Event Manager and Sporting Coordinator before replacing Troy Williams as Monochrome GT4 Australia Category Manager at the end of 2024, helping the category reach new heights levels this year with record fields at every event this year.
“I am excited at the opportunity to take on the Category Manager role for GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and look forward to the challenge that comes with it," Pukkila said.
"Working alongside with Charise this year in my role has been incredible and I am hopeful of continuing the outstanding work she has done over the past two seasons. I am confident that I can build on the strong foundation she has created.
"The category is certainly on an upward trajectory with a lot of potential, and I am thrilled to now be part of it - I am looking forward to playing a role in its continued development and being a trusted contact for the teams and drivers."
SRO Motorsports Australia CEO Ben McMellan was thrilled to have Pukkila take on GT World Challenge Australia Category Management duties.
“We are more than pleased to have Matleena step into the Category Manager for GT World Challenge Australia and we are excited to see her excel in the 2026 season and beyond,” McMellan said.
“With her GT4 Australia and Bathurst 12 Hour role experience, Matleena’s remarkable ability to lead and her existing relationships with the current crop of GT World Challenge Australia teams and drivers, so it was an obvious choice to have her replace Charise.
“Through working closely with Charise after taking on the role of category manager for GT4 this year, Matleena has proved that she highly capable of holding this position and I have no doubt that she will do a stellar job and it will be a seamless transition.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to thank Charise on behalf of SRO Motorsports Australia for her incredible work and commitment to GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, and wish her all the very best for the future.”
All Monochrome GT4 Australia teams and drivers will continue to go through Pukkila as the main point of contact for the 2026 season and beyond.