Gary Pert says he won’t be a contender for vacant CEO jobs after Collingwood exit

FORMER Collingwood boss Gary Pert has ruled himself out as a candidate for the vacant Hawthorn, Carlton and Western Bulldogs chief executive jobs.

FORMER Collingwood boss Gary Pert has ruled himself out as a candidate for the vacant Hawthorn, Carlton and Western Bulldogs chief executive jobs.

Pert has been laying low in Noosa since his 10-year reign at the Pies ended in July.

“I’m comfortable with where I am at,” Pert said.

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“I’ve made it very clear that I won’t be talking to any sporting organisations in the short-term.”

Ex-Victorian major events chief Brendan McClements​ is a lead candidate to win the Collingwood role, currently filled by interim CEO Peter Murphy.

Both Collingwood and Carlton have engaged recruitment specialists to help identify their next chief executive.

Former Collingwood CEO Gary Pert with president Eddie McGuire. Picture: Michael Klein

Hawthorn, which cut ties with chief executive Tracey Gaudry on Monday, will move faster to name her replacement.

“We hope to have this resolved within the next four weeks or maybe sooner,” reinstated Hawks president Jeff Kennett told the Herald Sun.

“We’re looking for someone who is well trained and anxious to perform.”

Potential suitors for the Hawks’ top job include Essendon chief marketing officer Justin Rodski and ex-Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick.

Kennett and four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson caught up on Thursday night and shared a rare bottle of 2008 Pipers Brook Tasmanian pinot noir to celebrate their reunion at the Hawks.

The Bulldogs have until March to replace outgoing CEO Gary Kent.

Simon Lethlean leaves his home in Melbourne.

Steven Trigg is exiting the Blues.

Carlton chief executive Steven Trigg was forced out of the club on Thursday amid speculation axed AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean had already been offered his position.

But Blues president Mark LoGiudice denied any contact had been made.

“We have not approached Simon Lethlean,” LoGiudice told SEN.

“I would hope Simon Lethlean would be part of that process because he does have the right skillsets, but we expect multiple candidates to apply for this job, it’s an exciting position to be the CEO of this football club.”