Essendon has appointed former NAB boss Andrew Thorburn as its new chief executive.
Key points:
- Thorburn was NAB CEO from 2014 to 2019
- The Bombers described his appointment as “a significant step forward for the club”
- Thorburn replaces Xavier Campbell, who resigned in August
Thorburn was NAB chief executive from 2014 to 2019 but resigned after the bank’s practices were heavily criticised in the banking royal commission’s final report.
He replaces Xavier Campbell, who resigned as chief executive in August after nine years at the helm.
Thorburn is currently leading the review of the Bombers’ football operations and will take over as CEO on November 1.
The 57-year-old was also a member of the panel that selected Brad Scott as senior coach.
In a letter to Bombers members on Monday, Essendon president David Barham described Thorburn’s appointment as “a significant step forward for the club”.
“In Andrew, we have secured a highly credentialed leader with a proven track record in development, and building the leadership capabilities of his people,” Barham wrote.
“Andrew’s focus will be on running Essendon like a club, with a renewed focus on our members and the core reason for which we exist — football.
“Our recent appointments of Brad Scott and today with Andrew, demonstrate our commitment to leadership and providing the right environment to ensure we achieve sustained success as a club.”
Campbell’s exit came after a difference of opinion with Barham over former coach Ben Rutten’s sacking.
Rutten was sacked the day after the Bombers’ season finished at the end of the home-and-away rounds.
Barham ousted former president Paul Brasher in August.
ABC/AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
