Hawthorn have announced the appointment of Rob McCartney to the vacant Head of Football position, replacing the departed Graham Wright.

McCartney took over the interim role left by Wright after the veteran football boss signed with Collingwood last month.

Having held positions as general manager of football operations, head of development and head of projects of football at Hawthorn, McCartney is seen as a more than suitable successor for the position.

Hawks CEO Justin Reeves said there was no hesitation in electing McCartney for the job.

โ€œRobโ€™s proven experience in leading the strategic direction of an organisation, combined with his intimate knowledge of our club made it impossible to look past him for the position,โ€ Reeves said.

โ€œHe is a wise and intelligent leader with a fantastic ability to inspire teams and people, and we are proud to be able to promote from within for such an integral position at our club.

โ€œHaving been GM โ€“ Football Operations and most recently Acting Head of Football, Rob has done an amazing apprenticeship that has given him the foundations to hit the ground running in this role.

โ€œHe presented an incredibly strong vision for the future of our football program and we feel that his expertise and character place him perfectly to lead our football department in achieving that vision.

โ€œThe process that led to Robโ€™s appointment was extensive and attracted a broad range of experienced candidates from various backgrounds.

โ€œIt is testament to Rob and his capabilities, that amongst an incredibly strong field of candidates it was a unanimous decision that he was the right person for the job."

The Hawks will look to improve on their 15th-placed finish from last season and will begin their 2021 premiership campaign against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 20.