Pert takes over as CEO at Demons in AFL

Former Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert will have the same role at Melbourne, succeeding Peter Jackson.

Less than a year after departing Collingwood, Gary Pert will take over from Peter Jackson as chief executive at AFL rivals Melbourne.

Pert was CEO at the Magpies for a decade and the Demons said the board voted for him unanimously.

It comes a month after Jackson announced he would step down.

Demons chairman Glen Bartlett said in a statement Pert had excellent credentials and a strong record of commercial results.

"Gary also oversaw the development of new facilities at Olympic Park and the Holden Centre (at Collingwood), a period of strong commercial growth and was CEO when they won their last premiership," he said.

"The board were unanimous in their decision that Gary was the best candidate to lead Melbourne through its next phase."

Pert made an emotional exit from Collingwood last year amid a series of reviews.

Jackson has been in charge at Melbourne since 2013, when AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou asked him to help out at the struggling club.

Jackson previously had a lengthy stint as chief executive at Essendon, which included their most recent premiership in 2000.

Pert will start in October and Jackson could remain at the club until next year.

"(Peter) has worked tirelessly with the board and his executive team to successfully transform the club to a position where there is a significant opportunity for sustained success on and off the field," Bartlett said.

"We expect a smooth transition which will continue the momentum towards the club becoming respected and great in all facets."

Melbourne are in the top eight and have not made the finals since 2006.

They are also much stronger financially than when Jackson took over and announced earlier this year they were abandoning poker machines as a revenue source.


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Source: AAP


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