HAWTHORN chief executive Stuart Fox will depart his post and take up a new role as CEO of the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Fox, who was contracted until 2020, will leave the Hawks in February and start in his job at the MCC in March.
The 46-year-old served seven years in his role at Hawthorn after joining the club in 2009, taking the brown and gold to four consecutive Grand Final appearances and three premierships.
His departure comes despite the long-time administrator saying in February he was committed to Hawthorn for the next five seasons.
"I am excited about joining the MCC, which to me is one of the most prestigious sporting clubs in Australia," Fox said.
"To be given the opportunity to steer the club and the MCG through the next phase of its history is one I am very much looking forward to.
"I will depart Hawthorn with a tinge of sadness, but also with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I am indebted to the president, board members and staff at Hawthorn for their support over the past seven years and I wish them well for the 2017 AFL season and beyond."
Hawks president Richard Garvey praised Fox for the success he enjoyed in the job.
"He will leave Hawthorn in a strong position commercially but also culturally having implemented and driven internal staff development programs throughout the workplace," Garvey said.
"The club is very grateful for Stuart’s service over the past seven years and everything he has achieved.
"We are confident he will do a great job at the MCC and would like to thank him, his wife Sybilla and children Millie, Sinclair, Chloe and Claudia for their time, commitment and service.
"We look forward to working closely with Stuart in his new role at the MCC and are confident of finding a quality replacement to take up the helm at Hawthorn."
Fox played an influential role in Hawthorn's recent purchase of land at Dingley, with plans to build a world-class training facility.
The Hawthorn board will meet in January to determine the process of finding a replacement CEO.
