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he Adelaide Crows CEO, Andrew Fagan, has resigned after seven years in the top role at the club, ahead of the 2021 AFL season.

Speaking about his decision, Fagan said the idea of him resigning has been discussed for over a year as the club faces a new strategic agenda.

“I initiated this conversation about a transition with former chairman Rob Chapman more than a year ago,” Fagan said.

“In recent times we have made a number of key decisions, relating to both football personnel and other areas of strategic focus, with a view to best preparing the club for a post-pandemic Australian sporting landscape.

“The CEO who leads the club through this process must be in it for the long haul and I am not that person, and I firmly believe this position should not be a long-term role for any individual.

“It is demanding and intense and the football industry moves at a fast pace, and I relish the thought of spending some time with my family before embarking on a fresh challenge.

“My time at the Crows has provided me with so many highlights and learning and importantly, I will leave with some lifelong friendships,” he said.

During a press conference for the club’s season launch, Adelaide Crows chairman, John Olsen, said the Crows board of directors supports Fagan’s decision.

“Given the much talked about changes that have taken place, including the commencement of a rebuild of the playing list and development of a new strategic plan following the global pandemic among others, the timing is now right,” Olsen said.

“When Andrew first arrived at the Crows, he spoke openly about his term being in the vicinity of 5 to 7 years.

“The board thanks Andrew for his service and acknowledges his contribution to the growth and stewardship of the club during some very challenging periods.

“We now need a CEO who will steer the club through this next phase and Andrew will continue in his role for some time to come to assist in the transition process,” he said.

As part of the announcement, the Crows said the board of directors will now work with a recruitment firm and will seek expressions of interest in an effort to fill the role as soon as possible.