The besieged Essendon Football Club has turned to former National Australia Bank chief executive and long-time Bombers supporter Andrew Thorburn as their new CEO to turn around the club’s misfortunes.

Mr Thorburn had been leading an external review of the club and its culture. His appointment follows the dramatic exit of former Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell and several board members, after clashing with the new president David Barham over the sacking of senior coach Ben Rutten.