Carlton has settled on Graham Wright as its new deputy chief executive as part of a succession plan, as Magpies president Jeff Browne steps down from his role of three years.
Wright, who recently stepped away from the position of Collingwood football boss, will serve as deputy CEO under incumbent Brian Cook before assuming the reins in 2025 when Cook departs.
The 56-year-old landed the gig at Carlton after reportedly attracting interest from the AFL, the Adelaide Crows and Tasmania Devils.
“We have appointed the best football person in the country to lead our football club,” Carlton president Luke Sayers said.
“Graham’s proven ability to take a football club from good to great is unmatched and will be an invaluable asset as this club looks to evolve to the level required to contend for premierships in the coming years.
“When you add to that the detailed handover Graham will be afforded from Brian, who is this game’s most experienced chief executive, it places our club in an incredibly strong position in regard to our senior leadership.
“Under Brian’s tenure across the last three years, our club has transformed into a values-led organisation, with a clear focus on unity and excellence. This features consecutive AFL finals campaigns for the first time in 13 years, record membership, unmatched crowds, diverse business streams and a connected supporter base, which now sees the Carlton Football Club in its strongest position – on and off field – in quite some time.
“Brian’s experience in developing sustained success cannot be understated – and his willingness to be part of the process of not only appointing but transitioning the next CEO of the Carlton Football Club, shows you the deep care he has in seeing this club succeed well into the future.
“In recent years we have made a conscious decision to not only attract strong leaders to Carlton, but leaders who know what it takes to earn success. Few share those credentials to the calibre of Graham.
“To have Graham Wright and Brian Cook working alongside one another for this next period of time – as a Carlton person you could not ask for two more highly regarded individuals to guide the transition of our Club’s senior leadership.
“With Brian contracted for another 12 months, he, Graham, and the board will implement a transition plan that best supports a succession.”
Wright, who served as Alastair Clarkson’s right-hand man during Hawthorn’s golden era in the 2010s, relinquished his position as Collingwood football boss following its 2023 flag triumph for a sabbatical to travel with his family.
He opted not to return to his role amid rumblings of a falling out with Magpies CEO Craig Kelly, putting a full stop on brief stint after joining the fray in 2021.
“I have great respect and admiration for Brian and all he has achieved and continues to achieve in our game, the chance to now work alongside him and garner his knowledge to complement my own experiences is something I am certainly looking forward to doing,” Wright said.
“I feel fortunate to be joining Brian and a high-performing executive team, that has set the Club up in a strong position for success.
“The pride and passion of this football club is incredible, so the opportunity I now have to connect with and meet the Carlton people who make this club what it is, it is one of the experiences I am looking forward to most.
“That collective desire to be great, I’ve already felt that across all levels at Carlton. To me that is as strong an indication as any that this club is willing to build itself the right way to give itself every opportunity to be successful.
“I’d like to thank Luke, Brian and the Board for this exciting opportunity.”
On the contrary, Browne announced he will not be seeking re-election as president at Collingwood later this year, informing them through a heart-felt letter to club members.
“Dear Magpie Army, it is with mixed feelings that I announce I will complete my three-year term as President of the Collingwood Football Club and will not seek re-election at the upcoming AGM to be held on December 16 this year,” Browne said.
“Over the past few years, we have done an extraordinary amount of work together at Collingwood, and I am grateful to have been able to play a role in our Club’s achievements on and off the field.
“Our Club is in a very strong position, and the focus of all at Collingwood remains steadfast on continuous improvement as we build towards our next AFL Premiership and our first-ever AFLW Premiership.
“It was a promise I made on my election that we achieve 100,000 Members for the first time in our history and your incredible support has seen us well surpass that.
Our Club’s off-field success has reflected our on-field aspirations, and I know that we have set the foundation for sustained success on all fronts.
“I do want to assure you I am healthy and in remission from my cancer diagnosis last year, but as you would understand, the demands of being President are significant and carry a heavy responsibility and workload.
I do need some more time to devote to maintaining my health and I am confident that the next President will bring their own style and lead the Club admirably and with great distinction.”
Leave a Reply