Graham Wright's reputation for being an 'agent of change' has claimed its first victim at IKON Park, with the incoming CEO signing off on the departure of Brad Lloyd.
Lloyd will see out the limited time Carlton's campaign has remaining, with the Blues expected to commence the search for their next football boss "immediately".
"Firstly, I want to thank Brad for his tireless effort and commitment to our football club over his seven years of service," Wright said.
“The recruitment process for the General Manager of Football role will commence immediately. While there is no set timeline, we will be sure to update our members once this appointment has been made."
Lloyd's tenure spanned the departure of Brendon Bolton, the entirety of David Teague's term, and more recently, the outgoing administrator has worked closely with current coach, Michael Voss, who last week, survived a board meeting centred around his future.
Lloyd's initial appointment came after Andrew McKay stepped down, in August 2018. After 11 years in the list management space at Fremantle, the move was viewed favourably, with the Blues deep in the mire at the time of his installation.
"Brad has been a central part of Carlton in recent years: he has progressed and led the football department through some significant adversity during that time, as well as back-to-back finals appearances," Wright said.
In the eyes of many, the Blues have underperformed this season, particularly after featuring in a preliminary final two years ago.
Lloyd's dismissal shapes as the first of many dominoes that may fall under Wright's reign, with the veteran decisionmaker hardly mincing his words regarding his observations and the club's direction.
"We want to earn respect in this competition, making our people proud to wear the monogram," said Wright.
"Since last October, I have been fortunate, through the support of Brian [Cook] and the Board, to gain a thorough understanding of every aspect of our football club. In recent months, particular attention has been given to the football department.
"I appreciate the open dialogue I have been afforded by our players, coaches and staff, with every conversation centred around what is best for Carlton and how our club can succeed.
"Successful clubs don't rely on individuals; they are a product of collective excellence across many areas, and that is what we are striving to build."
It is understood, however, that list manager Nick Austin and the recruitment staff are "safe", but no decision has been made on the assistant coaches.
Graham Wright says Nick Austin and the recruiting staff are safe. Assistant coaches not safe yet. @FootyonNine @9NewsMelb @1116sen pic.twitter.com/RvPXewi8Lp
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 12, 2025
Star players Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Sam Walsh are "all required, all contracted" at IKON Park, despite links to rival clubs.
Wright will be taking his spot on the list management committee at Carlton and will assist Austin and Voss in developing the contingent of players.
"Obviously, from a depth point of view, we need to add some players," Wright said, according to Carlton media.
"It will be a busy off-season for us, particularly around players and how we get better."
However, the legendary administrator and former Collingwood player rebuffed the notion that he is an 'agent of change' after successful stints at the Pies and Hawthorn in the past two decades.
"I don't like it. I've heard it, but I don't really like that," Wright said of the title.
"I said to someone before, I had 14 years at Hawthorn and 'Clarko' (coach Alastair Clarkson) was the coach when I arrived and when I left.
"Obviously, we made some changes at Collingwood when I was there. But that was as much around Nathan (Buckley) having been there 10 years and without a contract. A lot of people wanted to leave at that time as well, because I don't think they thought Collingwood was going to be that good.
"I'm not quite sure that sits that well with me, no."
