Brian Cook will take over as chief executive officer of Carlton Football Club after more than two decades with the Cats, the Blues announced last week.
After taking West Coast from an AFL start-up to a two-time premiership powerhouse, Cook then completed a remarkable turnaround of the Geelong Football Club.
Cats president Craig Drummond thanked the out-going CEO for his 23 years’ service to the club.
“The club has enjoyed an incredible period of success under Brian’s stewardship, both on and off the field,” Drummond said.
“When he arrived the stadium was crumbling, the club had crippling debt and there had not been a premiership since 1963.
“But since Brian joined the club, we have seen our greatest period of sustained on-field success, an almost complete rebuild of GMHBA Stadium, massive reduction of debt, a significantly enhanced positive impact on the community, record membership and the introduction of our women’s football program.
“The club is vastly different to the one he walked into all those years ago, and we can never properly thank him for all he has done during his tenure.”
Cook will commence at the Blues, who finished 13th this season, in mid-October.
“Brian is the longest serving CEO in the history of the game, and he loves a challenge,” Drummond said.
“He is excited about taking the reigns at Carlton and we wish him well in that role.”
Geelong forward Josh Jenkins will also leave the club after announcing his retirement from AFL football last Friday.
Jenkins finishes his career with 149 games and 296 goals.
He played twice with the Cats, facing his previous clubs Essendon and Adelaide. Jenkins booted 25 goals in the VFL in 2021.
He finished third in the Crows best and fairest in 2018 when he was the team’s leading goal-kicker and was a member of Adelaide’s 2017 grand final line up.
Geelong also last week announced the delisting of Ben Jarvis and Cam Taheny.
