Jeff Browne to step down as president of Collingwood

Jeff Browne could step down as Collingwood president in the next 12 months as part of a succession plan, with a likely replacement already earmarked for one of footy’s top jobs.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 03: Jeff Browne and Craig Kelly pose for a photo before the 2024 AFL Gather Round Welcome Dinner Event at Glenelg Foreshore on April 03, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood president Jeff Browne has signalled his intention to step down from the role — potentially within the next 12 months — as the club starts the search for his successor.

Browne, 72, has helped to reshape the Magpies on and off the field since taking over the role late in 2021, culminating with the club winning an equal record VFL-AFL 16th premiership last season.

A succession plan was discussed at a recent board meeting, but the Herald Sun understands Browne will remain as president until he considers the club is “in a good place with things in order”.

Venture capital funds manager Barry Carp, one of the board members who joined the club when Browne took over as president as part of a board revamp almost three years ago, is considered the leading candidate to take over.

Jeff Browne will step down from his role as Collingwood president. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Browne is due for re-election at the end of this year – along with Carp and Renee Roberts, who came onto the board at the same time as he did in late 2021.

Board terms are normally for three years, so Browne could make a decision on his future in the coming months if he is satisfied he has helped to set up the club for a more settled 2025 and the right replacement as president is determined.

The Magpies will hold their annual general meeting in December.

Vice-presidents Paul Licuria – who is the club’s football director – and Jodie Sizer are believed to be keen to retain their current roles.

Others on the board include former player Paul Tuddenham and former Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate.

Browne and Craog McRae celebrate the Pies’ 2023 premiership. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Browne, Collingwood’s 14th president, has been one of the most influential figures in AFL football during his time at the club.

He has been the leading voice amongst the clubs in their push for greater transparency and accountability from league headquarters, as well as one of the key figures behind the AFL’s concussion indemnity plan.

He is currently working with Licuria and chief executive Craig Kelly on finding a replacement for outgoing football boss Graham Wright, who took a six-month sabbatical from the role this season but won’t return.

Wright’s absence at the club this year caused some tensions within the club and Browne is determined to ensure the Magpies have a smoother passage through 2025 than they had this season, when the club failed to make the finals.

The Magpies see the appointment of a new football boss as one of the cornerstone decisions in potentially rebounding swiftly from missing out on this year’s finals series.

Browne has told close friends and confidants that he is in remission from myeloma, a form of blood cancer, after “responding well” to treatment.

Sources told the Herald Sun this decision is not related to his health.