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JackJumpers basketball team CEO Simon Brookhouse resigns

Simon Brookhouse (centre) pictured at a JackJumpers game in 2022. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

The Tasmania JackJumpers are on the hunt for a new chief executive officer after sensationally parting ways with inaugural club boss Simon Brookhouse. 

The JackJumpers board was informed of Brookhouse's decision to resign this morning. 

He will officially finish up with the club next Friday. 

General manager Jorrick Chivers and commercial boss Christine Finnegan will take on interim CEO duties in a joint role.

Brookhouse was appointed the clubs inaugural CEO in 2020 and was charged with building the National Basketball League's 10th club from the ground up. 

In a statement, Brookhouse said leading the club had been one of the highlights of his career.

Jane Howlett with Larry Kestelman, Peter Gutwein and Simon Brookhouse during the Derwent Entertainment Centre renovation, in December 2020. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

"I feel I leave the club in great shape with a strong team and a sustainable long-term future. The JackJumpers will always hold a very special place for me but it's time to explore other opportunities," he said. 

The club said Brookhouse's decision to resign was based on his desire for a "new challenge" after successfully piloting the launch of the club, and a potential sale of the team to new owners this year.

The JackJumpers have enjoyed early success. (Twitter: Tasmania JackJumpers)

During his two seasons at the helm, the JackJumpers played off in a Grand Final series before clinching back to back play-off berths in year two. 

The club had enjoyed a successful early period on and off the court under Brookhouse's leadership, with tickets to home games regularly sold out and basketball participation in the state spiking off the back of the team's strong performances. 

However, Brookhouse was embroiled in an alleged conflict of interest controversy last year over claims he had a relationship with former Tasmanian sports minister Jane Howlett. 

The personal relationship was heavily scrutinised in state parliament by both Labor and the Greens, with both parties accusing the pair of a perceived conflict of interest given the Tasmanian government's sponsorship of the team.

Then-premier Peter Gutwein, as well as Brookhouse and Jane Howlett, who resigned from the ministership in February last year, strongly denied any conflict. 

A change of CEO will come as league and team owner Larry Kestelman makes preliminary preparations to sell the club. 

JackJumpers owner Larry Kestelman with Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Late last year, Kestelman told reporters he intended to start the process of selling the club in early 2023, with a preference for Australian based owners to hold at least a 30 per cent stake in the team. 

JackJumpers chair Keryn Nylander praised Brookhouse's leadership in the clubs formative years.

"Simon Brookhouse has played a crucial role in beginning the club from the ground up and creating the organisational structure and culture which has enabled unprecedented success both on and off the court" she said. 

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