Etihad Stadium has 'no plans' to recruit new chief executive

The Etihad Stadium board has "no plans" to begin a search for a long-term replacement for former Chief Executive Paul Sergeant, despite his resignation from the role nearly two months ago.

Stadium Operations Manager Michael Green was appointed to replace Sergeant (pictured below) in an acting role, and Etihad Stadium Chairman Tony Hallam told Fairfax Media that Green was set to remain indefinitely.

Hallam stated “the board of Etihad Stadium remains fully supportive of Michael Green in his role of acting CEO and at this time have no plans to commence an extensive recruitment process.”

The decision not to look widely for a new chief executive comes amid a period of uncertainty surrounding the ground's future.

The AFL is contracted to purchase the venue in 2025, but has frequently been linked with a move to purchase the venue earlier, a move that would ease the financial burden on several clubs whose claim that their deals to play games at the stadium have not been conducive to positive financial returns.

North Melbourne Chairman James Brayshaw said last year his club's deal to play games at the venue is "the worst stadium deal in the history of world sport”!

Fairfax media referred to "senior AFL industry sources" advisising that even if the position were advertised, the role would be an undesirable one if further clarity around the stadium's future could not be guaranteed. However, a stadium spokesman said the matters of the chief executive position and the ground's future ere unrelated.

Sergeant joined Etihad Stadium in 2012 and in his time at the venue had been instrumental in attracting a diverse range of events to the venue together with making key operational enhancements.

Collingwood President Eddie McGuire last month sensationally called for the Docklands ground to be demolished, proposing that a new stadium be built in the Olympic Park complex, adjacent to the MCG. McGuire's proposed stadium would seat 60,000 and have a retractable roof.

As well as an AFL venue, Etihad remains a home ground for the Big Bash League's Melbourne Renegades and the A-League's Melbourne Victory, as well as hosting occasional concerts and religious events.

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