After serving as president of the Essendon Football Club for three and a half years, David Barham has stepped down, with vice president Andrew Welsh taking the reins.
Barham addressed Bombers members on Tuesday, via the club's website, to announce his departure.
"I have given my all over the past three and a half years and tackled every challenge with everything that I have," he said.
"I took my responsibility to fight for and defend our club, our players, coaches and administrators extremely seriously. I'm proud of what we have achieved in transforming the club and making the hard decisions to set it up for long-term, sustained success. I have no doubt we are now on the right track, and I leave excited about the future.
"My love for the Essendon Football Club is second only to the love I have for my family. In every decision and every action I have taken, my guiding principle has always been what is in the best interests of the club.
"I convened a meeting of the Board this morning, where I informed them of this decision. I will now take steps to fully exit the board in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition."
Barham's resignation is another landmark moment in a horror season at the Hangar; one that saw the side lose its final 13 matches, culminating in a player exodus that is still ongoing, and is headlined by the likely departure of their talismanic skipper, Zach Merrett.
Barham took the opportunity to offer a vote of confidence in CEO Craig Vozzo and head coach Brad Scott, aiming to unite a fanbase fractured by years of mediocrity.
"I have enormous faith in both Brad Scott and Craig Vozzo. They are the future and will lead us to success. They are talented, committed professionals who have outstanding values, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. They both put the Club first always."
Welsh's promotion comes after serving on the board since 2022, as 'Director of Football Governance,' with greater responsibility coming as Vice President, last year. A succession plan has been in place for some time, according to Barham, who says, 'the timing is right'.
"Since becoming President, I have repeatedly said that sustained, long-term success relies on unity, stability and alignment, and this transition to Andrew Welsh ensures that it's maintained," Barham said.
A former player himself, Welsh's prerogative will undoubtedly be to enact changes that allow Essendon to do what they haven't for some time: compete.
