Collingwood Chief Executive Gary Pert resigns after 10 years

Gary Pert, Chief Executive of Collingwood Football Club, has stepped down from his role amid an on-going club-wide review.

The 52-year-old former player-turned-administrator announced his resignation at a press conference alongside club President Eddie McGuire at the club’s Olympic Park headquarters yesterday afternoon.

Pert said he was standing down after 10 years’ service as he was no longer certain he was the right man to take Collingwood forward.

With the club struggling in this year's AFL Premiership, Pert stated "we have engaged in a process that is redefining what the Collingwood Football Club will be for the next five to 10 years.

“As CEO, will I be the one leading that during the period of time? If I’m not, I’ve got the responsibility to say, it’s time to step aside.”

Pert said the decision was also made in his and his family’s best interests, adding "my next step is to take a break.

“I have been involved in executive roles for 10 years (and) I’m not thinking of any roles (beyond Collingwood)."

Peter Murphy, the man charged with drawing up Collingwood’s strategic blueprint for the future, will step into Pert’s shoes on an interim basis while the club searches for a longer-term replacement.

Commenting on the search, McGuire stated "we’re not going to put any restrictions on it at all. We’ll get the best person for the club."

Pert will remain with the club until the end of the season to assist Murphy.

The Magpies revealed at the end of May that a thorough strategic review of the club, including the football department and the position of coach Nathan Buckley, was to be carried out externally.

At the time, McGuire said the review was aimed at “stripping back the place”.

Pert represented Collingwood as a player on 70 occasions during a 250-game league career between 1982 and 1995. 

Image of Gary Pert courtesy of Saxtons Speakers Bureau.

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