Andrew Thorburn cancelled as Essendon CEO after 24 hours

Patrick DurkinBOSS Deputy editor

Updated Oct 4, 2022 – 3.15pm, first published at 2.16pm

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Newly appointed Essendon chief executive and former National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Thorburn has stood down just 24 hours after being appointed, yielding to a backlash over the beliefs of the church he attends.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews added weight to calls to reverse Mr Thorburn’s appointment on Tuesday by buying into the controversy and condemning the church’s stance on homosexuality and abortion as “absolutely appalling”.

Patrick Durkin is Melbourne bureau chief and BOSS deputy editor. He writes on news, business and leadership. Connect with Patrick on Twitter. Email Patrick at pdurkin@afr.com