Xavier Campbell

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell has resigned after nearly nine years in the position as the AFL club's state of flux continues.

Essendon failed to make finals this year, finishing 15th after making finals the year before, and the Bombers have not won a finals game since 2004. In a statement, Barham hailed Campbell’s strong leadership in reforming Essendon’s “governance, cultural and structural processes” amid the fallout from the saga, and managing legal procedures related to AFL anti-doping and Wada appeals. Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell has resigned after nearly nine years in the position as a tumultuous period continues at the AFL club.

Campbell, who recently re-signed for two more years, has resigned, as has board member and club great Simon Madden.

Barham paid tribute to Campbell in the statement, and said Campbell would assist in the transition to a new CEO. Campbell said he still believes the club is “well set up for success in the short to medium term”. “They’ll be aligned with decisions that are made, but obviously sometimes there are fundamental decisions that are made that mean that it’s in the best interests of the club that people step away. Campbell did not want to speak on Madden’s behalf, but said the Essendon great’s decision to step down from the board was in the best interests of the club. And despite the challenges of this past week – I believe we have done that. And that’s not good, and it’s not bad, it’s just a good time for me to step away,” he said. “There’s no doubt that I was a big supporter of Ben [Rutten] and I was a big supporter of the strategy and the plan. You wear the weight of that a little bit, but it’s been nine years ... So, I support the decision that has been made by the board on Sunday.” The club’s chief commercial officer Nick Ryan will act as interim chief executive, as the Bombers search for Campbell’s replacement. Club sources said Madden was strongly supportive of Rutten serving out his contract rather than the club changing coach. The premiership ruckman and Norm Smith medallist had been on the board since 2013.

The fallout from Essendon's horror season has continued, with Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell stepping down from his position.

And under his leadership, significantly, saw the elimination of the associated debt that peaked during this time.” [@xaviercampbell]for getting [@essendonfc]out of the financial mire post drugs saga, but it’s best for him and the Bombers that he move on now. And so will the club. But there is a new change agent / sheriff in town. And despite the challenges of this past week – I believe we have done that. He is a good commercial boss. Barham paid tribute to Campbell in a statement: “He assumed the position at a time that required strong leadership during the most turbulent time in our history. Big change is happening— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) “In the end, Xavier Campbell has resigned as CEO of Essendon which is big news.” “So Xavier Campbell leaves as the fallout at Essendon continues after a difficult season in 2022. “There is an opportunity to take the Club on to finals success and ultimately, a premiership. The fallout from Essendon’s horror season has continued, with Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell stepping down from his position.

The fallout from Essendon's failed chase for Alastair Clarkson continues, with club CEO Xavier Campbell handing in his resignation.

"There is an opportunity to take the club on to finals success and ultimately, a premiership. Barham said Essendon would begin the process to find a new CEO in coming days, and that Campbell would help the club in the transition period. - The Essendon AFL club now has to look for a new CEO as well as a coach after the resignation of chief executive Xavier Campbell

After 14 years at the Essendon Football Club, including almost nine years as CEO, Xavier Campbell has tendered his resignation to President David Barham.

In the interim, Chief Commercial Officer Nick Ryan will assume the role as acting CEO. And despite the challenges of this past week – I believe we have done that. This Club is closer to on-field success than many think. And I hope as much as anyone that we do that. And under his leadership, significantly, saw the elimination of the associated debt that peaked during this time. We are now in a strong position to continue our pursuit for the ultimate success for our teams.”

Bombers boss Xavier Campbell and four club directors are the latest casualties of the turmoil at Essendon.

“Occasionally though, on the most fundamental issues, directors who hold minority views are best to get out of the way so that the Board can go forward totally united in implementing the decisions which have been made. And I hope as much as anyone that we do that," Campbell said. “A good board will always have healthy debate and a diversity of views on issues affecting the organisation. Our playing group deserves nothing less than this. "With the many strong building blocks that are firmly in place at Essendon, the decision to appoint a new coach and a bold vision under new president Dave Barham, there is an opportunity to take the club on to finals success and ultimately, a premiership. "Dave deserves to have someone that’s absolutely aligned and in behind the plan and got the energy to deliver on that plan and that’s not me now," Campbell told reporters on Wednesday morning.

XAVIER Campbell has resigned as Essendon chief executive officer. AFL.com.au believes Campbell informed new Bombers president David Barham of his decision ...

“Occasionally though, on the most fundamental issues, directors who hold minority views are best to get out of the way so that the Board can go forward totally united in implementing the decisions which have been made. And I hope as much as anyone that we do that," Campbell said. “A good board will always have healthy debate and a diversity of views on issues affecting the organisation. Our playing group deserves nothing less than this. "With the many strong building blocks that are firmly in place at Essendon, the decision to appoint a new coach and a bold vision under new president Dave Barham, there is an opportunity to take the club on to finals success and ultimately, a premiership. "Dave deserves to have someone that’s absolutely aligned and in behind the plan and got the energy to deliver on that plan and that’s not me now," Campbell told reporters on Wednesday morning.

Bombers boss Xavier Campbell and four club directors are the latest casualties of the turmoil at Essendon.

“Occasionally though, on the most fundamental issues, directors who hold minority views are best to get out of the way so that the Board can go forward totally united in implementing the decisions which have been made. And I hope as much as anyone that we do that," Campbell said. “A good board will always have healthy debate and a diversity of views on issues affecting the organisation. Our playing group deserves nothing less than this. "With the many strong building blocks that are firmly in place at Essendon, the decision to appoint a new coach and a bold vision under new president Dave Barham, there is an opportunity to take the club on to finals success and ultimately, a premiership. "Dave deserves to have someone that’s absolutely aligned and in behind the plan and got the energy to deliver on that plan and that’s not me now," Campbell told reporters on Wednesday morning.

7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary also revealed club legend Simon Madden resigned from his position on the club's board. Later on Wednesday, the club confirmed ...

And despite the challenges of this past week – I believe we have done that. Our AFLW team deserves this. “Our playing group deserves nothing less than this. 7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary also revealed club legend Simon Madden resigned from his position on the club’s board. [Cookie Guide](https://www.sevenwestmedia.com.au/cookies-guide). Stream them all for free on