Richmond commercial boss and former Geelong player Cain Liddle has been appointed chief executive of AFL club Carlton, replacing Steven Trigg.
Former AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean had been closely linked with the Carlton position which became available in September when the Blues parted ways with Trigg after three years at the helm.
Lethlean is also understood to be a leading contender to fill the vacant CEO's role at Collingwood.
Liddle, 44, has spent the past seven years as Richmond's chief customer officer, helping the Tigers double their membership base from 36,000 in 2010 to more than 75,000 in their premiership year.
He played four senior games for the Cats in 1994.
"The Carlton football club is a proud organisation with a significantly rich history and a very exciting future," Liddle said in a statement.
"To be given the opportunity to work with such a talented team both on and off the field, who are united in their determination to deliver Carlton members sustained success across both the male and female competitions, is an opportunity for which I am extremely grateful."
Blues president Mark LoGiudice said Liddle was appointed after an extensive selection process.
"He brings a wealth of commercial and consumer experience and we believe he is the ideal candidate that will be integral in leading the club to its next level of success," said LoGiudice.
Liddle will start his new job with Carlton on Monday.
