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elbourne Storm has announced chief executive officer, Dave Donaghy, has departed the club, with reports Donaghy is now likely to take up a role with Queensland rival, the Brisbane Broncos next year.

Melbourne Storm chairman, Matt Tripp, was informed of the news that Donaghy would not extend his contract beyond his current term which expires 31 January 2021 for “personal reasons”, and he will be returning to Queensland once his current term expires.

“Dave has made a solid contribution to Storm over almost 10 years with the club,” Tripp said.

“The club backed Dave when we first appointed him as a young CEO in 2015 and that investment has paid off with results on and off the field.

“On behalf of the Board, staff, players, coaches, sponsors and members, I wish Dave and his family all the best in the next chapter of his professional career,” he said.

Melbourne Storm have been highly regarded as an industry leader with consistent on field success and club revenues and membership at record levels under Donaghy’s reign.

The club has also diversified its business interests in the Super Netball franchise, Sunshine Coast Lightning, and a finance lending partnership, Storm Money.

Tripp said the hunt for a new CEO will commence immediately.

Melbourne Storm has appointed current chief financial officer, Ashley Tucker, as interim chief executive officer, with Donaghy to mentor Tucker before his contract ends.

“This is a great opportunity for a leader, either internally or externally, to step into a growing business fresh off the back of premiership success,” Tripp said.

“The Board and shareholders have confidence in the dedicated and experienced senior management team and staff who have been through an extraordinary six months.

“They have shown remarkable adaptability and willingness to work hard for this club through the challenges of COVID and we have no doubt this club will be bigger, stronger and more successful in the future as a result,” he said.