Justin Reeves has resigned as Hawthorn chief executive as the fallout from an investigation into allegations of historical racism at the club continues.
Reeves announced his exit to fellow directors at a board meeting on Wednesday after just over five years in the job, with Ash Klein appointed as acting CEO.
Reeves told the board the time had come to step away to prioritise his mental health and wellbeing, and spend more time with family.
“Reeves will step down from the role effective immediately due to the personal toll and the need to focus on his wellbeing in what has been a very difficult period for the club,” a club statement read.
Reeves was not at the club during the time of the alleged racist incidents but he has overseen the fall out of the cultural safety review that led to the ongoing investigation into the alleged mistreatment of First Nations players.
Reeves also presided over the messy head coaching transition to Sam Mitchell from Alastair Clarkson, who along with Chris Fagan and Jason Burt have been named as figures involved in an alleged episode of racism during their time with the club. All deny any wrongdoing.
Clarkson stood aside from his position at North Melbourne last week, also citing the toll the investigation had taken on his mental health.
“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,” Reeves said.
“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.”
The Hawthorn president, Andy Gowers, thanked Reeves for his “unwavering commitment” during his time at the club, during which there has been “some challenging periods that required astute leadership”.
“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,” he said.
Amid the off-field turmoil surrounding the club, the Hawks’s struggles on it continue with Mitchell’s team sitting 16th on the AFL ladder, having managed just two wins so far this season.
