Polarising Hawks President Jeff Kennett is set to see his brown and gold reign come to a close in December after the Hawthorn Football Club announced on Thursday that their board had unanimously voted the 74-year-old from his post
The former Victorian Premier will depart Bunjil Bagora (Waverley Park) after holding the title for 11 seasons, with his first stint at the helm commencing ahead of the 2006 AFL season.
Kennett will be replaced at the head of the club's table by incumbent Vice President, Peter Nankivell.
The official transition will take place at the Hawks' Annual General Meeting this December where Nankivell will be named as the club's 25th evident President.
Having held membership on the board across the past eight seasons, as well as his current title within the Sir Kenneth Luke Stand since 2017, Nankivell's credentials are evidently commensurate according to his peers.
The senior lawyer has also appeased many of Hawthorn's more progressive members so far this year after playing a leading hand in the club's shift away from pokies revenue via the sale of the club's licensed gaming venues.
Following the successful internal search for his successor, Kennett spoke glowingly of Mr. Nankivell's abilities and his happiness found from the seemingly seamless handover.
“It is wonderful when succession of an organisation can come from within,” Kennett delineated on Thursday within a prepared statement issued by the club.
“This will ensure that the momentum behind important initiatives on and off the field can be maintained and nurtured.
“Peter has a deep knowledge of the club and, at this time, has been found to be the most appropriate person to lead the club’s future development and activities.
“Importantly, Peter has a value set that will continue to build our Family Club ethos."
Kennett will see out the remainder of the 2022 AFL season at the helm of the rebuilding Hawks.
The Hawthorn Football Club claimed the 2008 AFL premiership during the third season of the former Liberal Member for Burwood's tenure, with the Hawks' three-peat coming during the four-year reign of former President, Andrew Newbold.
