Adelaide CEO Andrew Fagan has announced he will transition out of his role as the Club embarks upon a new strategic agenda.
Fagan joined the Club late in 2014 and guided the Crows through some of their most challenging and demanding times, and periods of sustained performance in both AFL and AFLW.
His leadership was crucial as the Club regrouped following the unexpected passing of former Senior Coach Phil Walsh in 2015, and he built a financial platform that has allowed the Club to navigate its way through the global pandemic, while retaining its independence.
During his tenure, the men’s team played in its first Grand Final in two decades, while the Club also won the rights to have a women’s team, which has been a dominant force and won two AFLW premierships.
Fagan said the Club was well placed for an exciting future.
“I initiated this conversation about a transition with former Chairman Rob Chapman more than a year ago,” Fagan said.
“In recent times we have made a number of key decisions, relating to both football personnel and other areas of strategic focus, with a view to best preparing the Club for a post-pandemic Australian sporting landscape.
“The CEO who leads the Club through this process must be in it for the long haul and I am not that person, and I firmly believe this position should not be a long-term role for any individual.
“It is demanding and intense and the football industry moves at a fast pace, and I relish the thought of spending some time with my family before embarking on a fresh challenge.
“My time at the Crows has provided me with so many highlights and learnings and importantly, I will leave with some lifelong friendships.”
Speaking at the Club’s Season Launch, Chairman John Olsen said the Board of Directors accepted Fagan’s decision and reasoning.
“Given the much talked about changes that have taken place, including the commencement of a rebuild of the playing list and development of a new strategic plan following the global pandemic among others, the timing is now right,” Olsen said.
“When Andrew first arrived at the Crows, he spoke openly about his term being in the vicinity of 5 to 7 years.
“The Board thanks Andrew for his service and acknowledges his contribution to the growth and stewardship of the Club during some very challenging periods.
“We now need a CEO who will steer the Club through this next phase and Andrew will continue in his role for some time to come to assist in the transition process.”
The Board of Directors, in conjunction with a recruitment firm, will now seek expressions of interest from potential candidates with a view to the position being filled as soon as possible.
