Port Adelaide has bid farewell to highly-rated football boss Chris Davies, who has joined Carlton ahead of the 2026 season.
Davies has been with the Power for 11 years, helping steer the club in combination with outgoing senior coach Ken Hinkley.
While Davies admitted the decision to leave Alberton was a difficult one, the Port Adelaide administrator believed the timing was right.
"Port Adelaide has been a significant part of my working life, and I'm proud of what we've achieved together during this time," Davies said.
"The decision to leave wasn't easy, but I feel the timing is right for both the club and I.
"I've had the privilege of working with exceptional people - from players and coaches to staff and volunteers - and I'm confident the club is well-positioned for future success under Josh Carr. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this great football club."
Davies joins Carlton as the Blues prepare for a new-look off-field force, with Brad Lloyd moved on from his role as football boss. Graham Wright has stepped into his role as CEO this off-season while the club has made several changes to its coaching ranks.
"From an external perspective, I've had a great deal of respect for the potential of this football club, and from the moment Graham came to me and presented his vision, I was all in," Davies said.
"The foundations at this football club are incredibly strong, which was important for me when making the decision to come across.
"It starts with the quality of your leaders, and in my conversations with Graham, Rob Priestley and Michael Voss, who I worked with at Port Adelaide, there is genuine alignment about what is needed to take Carlton forward, which was impressive to see.
"It is a really special day for me to join Carlton, as I was a diehard Blues fan growing up. I feel that I understand this football club, what it means to its people and how hungry it is to get back to being an industry leader.
"This is a club striving for success and is committed to doing so in a sustainable way. I'm eager to begin working with everybody at the Club to collectively create a football program that delivers results and makes every Carlton person proud."
The Power thanked Davies for his impact on the club ahead of his next venture.
"I thank Chris for his hard work and commitment to the Port Adelaide Football Club across eleven years," Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said.
"The AFL industry places great demands on people in leadership roles, and Chris has navigated these demands across his tenure for more than a decade with exceptional leadership and professionalism throughout.
"It's always disappointing when good people leave, but after consideration of the changes we are implementing under new senior coach Josh Carr, we agreed that now is the right time for both parties.
"We wish Chris all the very best for what the next chapter holds for him and his family. He's made a significant contribution to the Port Adelaide Football Club and has been instrumental in an era of significant change and growth for the club."
The Power have flagged that they will search for Davies' replacement immediately.
