The Brisbane Lions have appointed former Carlton and Collingwood chief executive Greg Swann as the club's new chief executive.

Swann, who had also been linked to CEO role with the Gold Coast Suns, will be annnouced as the new Lions' boss as soon as Friday.

Greg Swann. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

Swann, who started at Collingwood in 2000 and was successful in rebuilding the Magpies, left Carlton only a matter of weeks ago, after the Blues opted to look for a new chief executive - which only this week was confirmed as long time Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg.

Swann had also been a possibility to take up the chief executive role with Racing Victoria, but the AFL was keen for him to continue in the industry as a chief executive, and was believed keen for him to take up one of the positions in Queensland.