The Sydney Swans have announced a succession plan for the role of Chief Executive Officer, as current CEO Andrew Ireland plans to retire from the position at the end of the 2018 season.
Head of Football, Tom Harley, has been chosen as Ireland's successor, after the club determined he is the best man for the lob.
Ireland will stay on as a Director on Sydney's Board, and will continue to be a consultant for the club in areas of list management and business development.
The CEO has been at the Swans since 2002, and officially moved into his current position after the 2009 season.
โIโve had a wonderful time at this club, itโs a great club, but there does come a time when you need to step aside. At the end of next year, I would have been here for 17 years, so I think itโs the right time for me and the Sydney Swans,โ Ireland told sydneyswans.com.au.
โOver the journey Iโve worked with some wonderful people and what Iโm most proud of is the culture at our club, which is largely about people. Together weโve achieved consistency in performance on and off the field and thatโs a testament to having a great team
โIโm rapt that Tom will be my replacement as Iโm certain he has all the attributes to be a strong CEO for the Sydney Swans โ heโs a great leader and culturally a terrific fit for the club.โ
Harley, who has joined the Swans in October 2014 after working at AFL NSW/ACT, is looking forward to his new position and is grateful for the Board's endorsement.
โWhen youโre involved in the AFL in Sydney you see it through a totally different lens and the Swans have reaffirmed my passion for the game, so itโs a real privilege and an honour to take this opportunity,โ Harley told the club's website.
โIโm very honoured and humbled to be endorsed by Andrew and the Board. Under Andrew Ireland Iโve had a great learning experience and I think our team, from the football department to the broader staff, understand what I stand for.
โSydney is also very much my home now โ Iโve been in Sydney for the best part of nine years, Iโve got two young boys and my wife is from Sydney, so itโs home and I love it here.โ
Harley captained the Cats to their 2007 and 2009 premierships, and played 198 matches over his 12-year career.
