Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Xavier Campbell has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

The position attracted a number of high calibre applicants and following a thorough and extensive interview process conducted by executive search firm Slade Partners, the board endorsed the decision to appoint Campbell as CEO.

Chairman Paul Little said the decision to promote Campbell to CEO was unanimous.

“I’d like to congratulate Xavier on his appointment to the position of CEO,” Little said.

“We had an extremely talented and experienced group of candidates from a range of different business and sporting backgrounds to choose from, but as a club we felt Xavier had displayed the necessary qualities and business acumen to make the step up to the role of CEO.”

“Xavier has been an integral member of the club’s senior management for the past five years, and over the last eight months has shown tremendous leadership, work ethic and vision as interim CEO.”

“Xavier’s knowledge and strong relationships with the football department, administration and key stakeholders has already enabled him to improve key areas of the club, including a restructure of the executive and football department.”

Campbell, 34, said it was honour to be appointed CEO of Essendon Football Club.

“I’d like to thank the Essendon Football Club and the Board, in particular Chairman Paul Little for this significant opportunity,” Campbell said.

“The role of CEO is a position I take on with great enthusiasm and responsibility, and I look forward to working with our key stakeholders to make sure the Essendon Football Club is strong both on and off the field.”

“As a club we still face a number of challenges moving forward, but I have full confidence in the direction we are heading as a club.”

Campbell previously held the position as the club’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Projects and Partnerships. He has overseen significant growth of the Club’s sponsorship and strategic partnerships over the past five years.

Prior to joining Essendon, Campbell worked for Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group and global sports marketing company Octagon. He has significant commercial and sports management experience, as well as a background in marketing and commercial strategy consulting. Campbell has also worked for the South Australian Government as an economic analyst. Campbell is a SANFL premiership player with Sturt Football Club and has a Bachelor of Business and Economics as well as a Diploma in Accounting.