Citing need to ‘prioritise mental health’ Hawthorn Chief Executive Justin Reeves announces resignation

Justin Reeves, Chief Executive of the Hawthorn AFL club since 2017, has resigned from the role.

Reeves, who signed a new five-year contract with the Hawks in 2021, told the Hawthorn board on Wednesday that he wished to step away "to prioritise his mental health and wellbeing and spend more time with family".

With Hawthorn involved in ongoing investigations into historic allegations of racial abuse, a subsequent statement from the club cited the "personal toll" Reeves had taken in the wake of a "very difficult period for the club".

Commenting on his departure, Reeves advised "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.

"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 and support club coaches Sam Mitchell and Bec Goddard.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead Hawthorn and thank the club's ever so talented employees, loyal members and committed commercial partners."

Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said he supported Reeves's decision, stating "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.

"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.”

The club has been under close scrutiny since the middle of 2022 following a cultural and safety review that has resulted in an investigation by the AFL into historical allegations of mistreatment of Indigenous and First Nations players at the club.

Four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson stepped away from his role as North Melbourne coach last week due to the emotional toll of the ongoing inquiry, after having been critical of the Hawks in the days before that decision.

Ash Klein has been named interim Chief Executive while the club begins a search to find a permanent replacement.

Hawthorn currently stand 16th on the AFL ladder.

Image: Justin Reeves. Credit: AFL Photos.