Hawthorn chief executive Stuart Fox is the new CEO at the Melbourne Cricket Club, one of the city's most prestigious sporting appointments.
He will replace Stephen Gough, who announced his departure in June after 17 years.
Fox has an impeccable resume, having served as chief operating officer at Geelong when they won the 2007 and '09 AFL premierships.
He then took over as Hawks chief executive, replacing Ian Robson.
In Fox's nine-year tenure, Hawthorn have consolidated their standing as one of the most powerful clubs in the AFL.
Apart from three premierships in his time, the Hawks have also repeatedly broken their membership record.
They have established a solid base in Tasmania and regularly post healthy profits.
Hawthorn are also one of the MCG home clubs.
Gough was chief executive at Carlton before snaring the MCC role.
MCC president Steven Smith said Fox, who starts in March, was the top choice in a "very competitive field".
"He brings with him a deep understanding of the AFL, one of our key stakeholders, and experience operating a stadium," Smith said.
"We look forward to Stuart tackling the opportunities and challenges that confront our club and the MCG over the coming years."
Fox said the MCC was one of Australia's most prestigious sporting clubs.
"To be given the opportunity to steer the club and the MCG through the next phase of its history is one I am very much looking forward to," he said.
