Carlton has received a much-needed boost in a tumultuous off-season, with Brian Cook to take over as chief executive.
While it had been known for months that Cook was leaving his role as Geelong's chief executive after 23 years, until Friday night it was unclear what he would do next.
But the Blues confirmed on Friday night that Cook would become their new chief executive.
Cain Liddle left the position a week ago after four years in charge.
"My first focus will be connecting with as many of our people as possible and making sure we are all aligned on how we are going push this football club to achieve the success it is striving for," Cook said in a statement.
"There is no doubt that is going to take a lot of hard work, from a lot of Carlton people.
"In my experience though, there is absolutely no better feeling than when a group of people come together for one common cause and achieve the ultimate success.
"That thought should get every Carlton person excited for what lies ahead for their football club and we are going to share that experience every step of the way together."
Cook, who will begin at the Blues in mid-October, is one of the league's most respected and experienced club chief executives.
Along with president Frank Costa, he was crucial in turning around the Cats' financial crisis 20 years ago and then oversaw their three premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Before joining Geelong, he was chief executive at West Coast when the Eagles won the 1992 and 1994 flags.
Liddle's exit from Carlton came three weeks after the Blues sacked coach David Teague.
While four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson has ruled himself out of going to a new club, Cook's move to Carlton will reignite that speculation.
Clarkson has said he would take next year off after leaving the Hawks.
AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking, a former Geelong player and official, was confirmed as the new Cats chief executive in July.
Hocking is due to start in the next few weeks.
AAP
