Hawthorn and CEO Tracey Gaudry part ways after only five months in the job

THREE Melbourne clubs are looking for a new CEO after Hawthorn parted way with Tracey Gaudry, the AFL’s first female chief, just five months after she took the job.

Sacked Hawthorn CEO Tracey Gaudry at her first press conference. Picture: Michael Klein

HAWTHORN has parted ways with chief executive Tracey Gaudry just five months after she claimed the job.

Gaudry’s sudden exit leaves three Melbourne clubs — Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and the Hawks — searching for a new CEO.

Former AFL football boss Simon Lethlean and ex-Dogs CEO Simon Garlick head a field of likely contenders.

HAWKS CEO: GAUDRY WARNS RIVALS OFF CLARKSON

Gaudry, 48, a former Olympic cyclist and Athletics Australia marketing executive, replaced Stuart Fox, who defected to the Melbourne Cricket Club last December.

She was the game’s first female chief executive.

Hawks president Richard Garvey said Gaudry had “stepped down” because of personal circumstances.

“Unfortunately, Tracey has faced extenuating family and personal circumstances this year which have made it difficult to continue in the role,” Garvey said.

Tracey Gaudry at her first press conference with president Richard Garvey. Picture: Michael Klein

“On behalf of all at Hawthorn, I want to thank Tracey for her considerable contribution to our club in the relatively short time she has been our CEO.

“We understand and respect her decision to stand down.

“Tracey has been incredibly selfless and professional throughout this process and the club wishes her and her family all the best in their future endeavours.”

Gaudry was a surprise selection in a lengthy process run by Pacific Search Partners at the start of the year.

Hawthorn director Peter Nankivell will act as the club’s interim chief executive.

Garvey said of Gaudry’s appointment in May: “Tracey has been an elite athlete and she’s also been in sports administration at the elite level. We were just so impressed with her passion and drive.

So the @HawthornFC appoints a CEO with no footy experience and then sacks her.
The buck stops with the president and the board.

— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) October 2, 2017

The Hawks have tried to support Gaudry in the role and were aware early in her tenure she faced some challenges in the position.

But Gaudry had recently received more negative feedback from senior club officials.

The club has dealt with significant change in key posts over the past year following the departure of respected CEO Stuart Fox, trusted football manager Chris Fagan and a host of senior players including captain Luke Hodge.

“She just brings a perspective, a passion and leadership style that is absolutely unique. She’ll do wonders in the AFL industry.”

In further leadership upheaval, Hawks director Bruce Stevenson resigned from the board last week.

Departing Western Bulldogs chief executive Gary Kent has told the club he will stay on in his role until the start of next season.

Collingwood has been without a permanent CEO since Gary Pert resigned after 10 years in the top job in July.

MEANWHILE, GOLD Coast is expected to unveil its new senior coach on Thursday.

Carlton stoppages coach John Barker, Swans assistant Stuart Dew and recently-installed Hawthorn assistant Scott Burns have all progressed to the final stage of the interview process.