The Collingwood chief executive officer, Gary Pert, has stepped down from his role amid an on-going club-wide review.
The 52-year-old former player-turned-administrator announced his resignation at a press conference alongside club president Eddie McGuire at the club’s Olympic Park headquarters on Monday afternoon.
Pert said he was standing down after 10 years’ service as he was no longer certain he was the right man to take Collingwood forward.
“We have engaged in a process that is redefining what the Collingwood Football Club will be for the next five to 10 years,” Pert said.
“As CEO, will I be the one leading that during the period of time? If I’m not, I’ve got the responsibility to say, it’s time to step aside.”
He said the decision was also made in his and his family’s best interests.
“My next step is to take a break,” he said. “I have been involved in executive roles for 10 years. I’m not thinking of any roles [beyond Collingwood]. The only thoughts I’ve had are of being with my family.”
Peter Murphy, the man charged with drawing up Collingwood’s strategic blueprint for the future, will step into Pert’s shoes on an interim basis while the club searches for a longer-term replacement.
“We’re not going to put any restrictions on it at all. We’ll get the best person for the club,” said McGuire of the next CEO.
Pert will remain with the club until the end of the season to assist Murphy.
The Magpies revealed at the end of May that a thorough strategic review of the club, including the football department and the position of coach Nathan Buckley, was to be carried out externally.
At the time, McGuire said the review was aimed at “stripping back the place”.
Pert said he had nothing but admiration for Buckley.
“Bucks is one of the best and most impressive leaders I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “He has brought so much to the club’s culture.
“As a person, Bucks is so impressive. I want the best for him and to see him get all the rewards for the way he goes about it.”
Collingwood currently sit 13th on the AFL ladder, having won seven of their 17 matches so far this season. On the weekend, they won a stirring contest against West Coast Eagles.
The 15-times premiers have not made the finals since 2013.
Pert represented Collingwood as a player on 70 occasions during a 250-game league career between 1982 and 1995. He also played for Fitzroy during that time.
