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AFL 2021: Brian Cook appointed chief executive officer of Carlton Football Club

Jasper BruceNCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

Out-going Geelong chief executive officer Brian Cook has been appointed to the same role at Carlton.

Cook served as the Cats’ CEO for 23 years, during which time the club won three premierships, including its first in 44 years.

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On Friday night, incoming Carlton president Luke Sayers called Cook’s appointment “significant”.

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“This is a significant pillar of the club’s ‘reset’ strategy, whereby our football club is striving to bring in the best available people with strong leadership, who thrive on building and driving a high-performing culture,” Sayers said.

“That is exactly what Carlton needs to take our next, significant step, and nobody fits that criteria better than Brian Cook.

“Brian is an experienced leader who, to put it simply, knows what success looks like and more importantly, knows everything that is required to achieve it – on and off the field.

“While our club is in a strong position off the field, we intend to take this to another level, by being proactive and innovative and Brian, as CEO, will play a pivotal role in leading that approach.

“To attract arguably Australia’s most highly regarded sports administrator to the position of chief executive officer at our club is significant and from this point on, our plan cannot be clearer and more resolute to achieve the sustained success we are striving for.”

Cook said it would take “hard work” to restore Carlton to its former glory.

“When Luke presented this opportunity to me, he did so with a clear vision, to make the Carlton Football Club a benchmark in striving for high performance in all areas – the chance to help achieve that for a club with such a massive supporter base, with unmatched passion, this decision was a simple one for me,” Cook said.

“Football clubs are built on their people – their players, coaches, staff, members, supporters and commercial partners. My first focus will be connecting with as many of our people as possible and making sure we are all aligned on how we are going to push this football club to achieve the success it is striving for.

“There is no doubt that is going to take a lot of hard work, from a lot of Carlton people. In my experience though, there is absolutely no better feeling than when a group of people comes together for one common cause and achieves the ultimate success.

“That thought should get every Carlton person excited for what lies ahead for their football club and we are going to share that experience every step of the way together.”

Geelong wished Cook well in his new role.

“The club has enjoyed an incredible period of success under Brian’s stewardship, both on and off the field,” said Geelong president Craig Drummond.

“Brian is the longest serving CEO in the history of the game, and he loves a challenge. He is excited about taking the reins at Carlton and we wish him well in that role.

“The club is vastly different to the one he walked into all those years ago, and we can never properly thank him for all he has done during his tenure.”

Steve Hocking, who previously served as the AFL’s football operations boss, will succeed Cook as Geelong’s CEO.

Carlton is yet to lock in its senior coach for 2022, having parted ways with David Teague at the end of the regular season.

A number of footy personalities linked with the position have pulled out of the race, most recently former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, who has been named the AFL’s new general manager of football.

Ross Lyon had been considered the favourite to land the top job at Princes Park but has also withdrawn from contention.

Michael Voss confirmed his interest in the position this week, saying he had already “had a discussion” with the club.

Voss coached the Lions between 2009 and 2013 and is currently an assistant to Ken Hinkley at Port Adelaide.

Originally published as AFL 2021: Brian Cook appointed chief executive officer of Carlton Football Club

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