Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves resigns in wake of racism scandal

The toll of the drawn-out racism scandal involving Hawthorn and former staff has resulted in the resignation of the club’s chief executive.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves has resigned effective immediately to focus on his wellbeing as the club remains embroiled in a racism investigation.

Reeves, who spent just over five years at the club, has been under enormous pressure since the emergence of historical racism allegations levelled at former coach Alastair Clarkson and the club.

Reeves was not at the Hawks during the period covered by the allegations, but the club has been lashed for how it handled the situation and subsequent fallout.

Reeves played a role in the ordering of a cultural safety review that revealed the extent of the allegations against Clarkson and his former lieutenants Chris Fagan and Jason Burt and prompted a yet-to-be resolved AFL inquiry that forced Clarkson to step away from coaching North Melbourne.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves has resigned. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Clarkson, Fagan and Burt have all categorically denied the allegations made against them.

Reeves told the club board the time had come to step away from his position to prioritise his mental health and wellbeing and spend more time with family.

“Justin is a highly respected sporting executive, which is a reputation built from delivering great results and running sound operations for more than 15 years in AFL football,” club president Andy Gowers said.

“On behalf of the board, I thank Justin for his unwavering commitment to the Hawks over nearly six years, during which there has been some challenging periods that required astute leadership.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves has resigned from the club. https://t.co/y965eN8Iz0

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 24, 2023

“Hawthorn has initiated a search for a new CEO and we look forward to working with acting CEO Ash Klein in the meantime.”

Reeves said it was time to hand the club over to “new leadership”.

“I’ve worked hard with my team to establish strong foundations for the club to work through some important cultural, strategic and operational matters and, with that work done, I’m confident the club can emerge stronger than ever,” he said.

“I believe now is the right time to hand over to new leadership. I’m confident my departure will allow the board to identify a new CEO to lead our incredibly talented executive team to ensure future club sustainability and success.”

The club board will form a subcommittee to lead the search for Hawthorn’s new chief executive.

Originally published as Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves resigns in wake of racism scandal