{"id":360347,"date":"2025-12-20T11:43:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T11:43:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/360347\/"},"modified":"2025-12-20T11:43:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T11:43:29","slug":"essendon-chief-executive-craig-vozzo-steps-down-due-to-family-reasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/360347\/","title":{"rendered":"Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo steps down due to family reasons"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is fresh drama at Essendon<\/a> with respected chief executive Craig Vozzo making the bombshell call to leave the club.<\/p>\n

Vozzo has told the embattled club he is departing due to family reasons.<\/p>\n

Vozzo has worked in the AFL<\/a> industry for more than a decade, arriving at Essendon in 2022 after holding multiple roles at West Coast.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

But he now says he wants to return to South Australia to be closer to his family, calling it one one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make in his professional career.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been living away from my home and my wider family and friends back in South Australia for 15-plus years now,\u201d Vozzo said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy initial three-year contract was coming to an end, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on my future.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing the conclusion of our AFLW season and men\u2019s draft, I returned to South Australia for a few weeks to be around family and my closest friends, to have some quiet time to deeply reflect.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that time, it really reinforced to me that it is the right time in my life to take a step back from the CEO role and further prioritise my family ahead of my career.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is new layer of chaos at the Bombers who cannot get stability in their leadership positions.<\/p>\n

Vozzo was appointed in a storm of controversy, rushed in to replace Andrew Thorburn who swiftly exited the club after lasting less than 24 hours in the position.<\/p>\n

Thorburn had to quit due to his links to the City on a Hill religious group that has controversial views on abortion and same-sex relationships.<\/p>\n

The Vozzo news comes just months after president David Barham quit and was replaced by former player Andrew Welsh.<\/p>\n

2025 has been a year of drama for the Bombers.<\/p>\n

There was an onfield injury crisis, a nightmare losing streak, a player exodus, and their captain and best player Zach Merrett failed in his bid to leave the club.<\/p>\n

Essendon are a fading powerhouse of the AFL.<\/p>\n

Along with Collingwood and Carlton, they have won the most premierships in AFL\/VFL history with 16 flags, and have a huge dormant supporter base.<\/p>\n

But the 21st century has been unkind, with their last flag coming in 2000 and their last finals win in 2004.<\/p>\n

Essendon issued a statement later on Wednesday morning thanking Vozzo for his \u201csignificant contributions\u201d during his tenure.<\/p>\n

Vozzo thanked the club\u2019s members, board, staff and players for their support over the past three years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis club has given me so much, and I\u2019ll always be a Bomber,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Essendon president Andrew Welsh said Vozzo had made an enormous contribution to the club both on and off the field.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis deep understanding of football has been pivotal in reshaping our football programs, which underwent significant transformation under his leadership,\u201d Welsh said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe foundations he has helped establish across our AFL and AFLW programs, our commercial operations and our facilities put us in a strong position.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis strategic leadership and diligent work have strengthened every aspect of our club, and we are well positioned to build on that momentum.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to personally thank Craig for his service to our club. He has navigated some challenging periods with integrity and professionalism and leaves us in a stronger position than when he arrived. We wish him, Christine, Charlotte, Isla and Jonah all the very best for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Essendon board has commenced a thorough process to identify the next CEO with the club \u201ccommitted to ensuring a smooth transition\u201d.<\/p>\n

Chief operating officer Nick Ryan will continue in the acting CEO role until a replacement has been appointed.<\/p>\n

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