North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio resigns from position

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio has tendered his resignation, confirming speculation that he would not be in the position under new coach Alastair Clarkson.

Ben Amarfio (left) has resigned. Picture: Alex Coppel.

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio has resigned from his position at the club.

Amarfio tendered his resignation to the Kangaroos board on Friday morning, confirming long-held speculation that he would be finishing up in the role before new coach Alastair Clarkson started in the role.

Amarfio, who joined the club in late 2019, will depart on October 31, just a day before Clarkson officially starts on November 1.

The Kangaroos will immediately start work on Amarfio’s replacement.

Amarfio said the speculation around his future and the toll of a difficult season at the club had taken its toll on him.

Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Ben Amarfio has called it quits. Picture: Michael Klein

“The past few months in particular have taken a toll and I am keen to take a break once we close out some major projects and activities,” Amarfio said.

“I am excited about the talented young list that we are building and I think the time is right for me to step aside and provide clear air for Alastair Clarkson, Todd Viney and our hardworking and talented football department to begin their important work, which will hopefully see us getting back to finals and winning silverware in the coming years.”

“I will leave satisfied that a very solid foundation has been laid and the club is in a wonderful position to grow from an off- and on-field perspective for our men’s and women’s programs.”

North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood said the club owed Amarfio a debt of gratitude.

Ben Amarfio (left) has followed former coach David Noble out the door. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“Ben is one of the most talented and hardworking executives I know and his genuine care for his executive team and staff is something I have witnessed first-hand,” Dr Hood said.

“Shortly after he commenced his role, we were hit with Covid and his leadership helped steer us through some difficult circumstances.

“His passion and drive to take our club forward has been the catalyst for the club to be in such a position of strength off the field.

“We have zero historical debt, we’ve broken membership records in each of Ben’s three years, we’re about to complete the $8m Stage Two extension of our Arden St facility, we’ve just re-signed Mazda as our major partner and we are set to play a major role in the State Government’s plans for the Arden Precinct.

MORE TO COME

Originally published as North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio resigns from position