โFollowing the conclusion of our AFLW season and menโs draft, I returned to South Australia for a few weeks to be around family and my closest friends, to have some quiet time to deeply reflect.
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โIn that time, it really reinforced to me that it is the right time in my life to take a step back from the CEO role and further prioritise my family ahead of my career.
โThis has been one of the most difficult decisions Iโve ever had to make, because I love this football club and everything it stands for to so many โฆ But it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life back home in South Australia.โ
The club is eager for Vozzo to stay on at least in a part-time consultancy capacity in football.
Chief operating officer Nick Ryan will step in as acting chief executive while the club searches for a permanent replacement for Vozzo.
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Vozzo arrived at Essendon, having been head of football at West Coast, with a brief as CEO to concentrate on fixing the football department as his priority.
Vozzo spent three years as Bombers CEO, taking on the role after the ill-fated appointment of Andrew Thorburn, who only lasted one day in the job. Before Thorburn, the clubโs CEO was Xavier Campbell.
A lawyer by trade, Vozzoโs career in football started in player management before he spent close to a decade at West Coast, most of that time as head of football.
He got the job shortly after the arrival of senior coach Brad Scott and chairman David Barham, who stepped down and was replaced by Andrew Welsh earlier this year.
Welsh paid tribute to Vozzoโs acumen in reshaping the clubโs AFL and AFLW programs, and in leading it in a challenging time.
Essendon president Andrew Welsh.Credit: Stephen McKenzie
โHis deep understanding of football has been pivotal in reshaping our football programs, which underwent significant transformation under his leadership,โ Welsh said.
โThe foundations he has helped establish across our AFL and AFLW programs, our commercial operations and our facilities put us in a strong position.
โCraig has worked incredibly hard leading this club and we recognise his unique expertise in football operations. We are actively exploring options to retain him at Essendon in a consultancy capacity, particularly in our list management and recruiting areas where his knowledge and experience would continue to be invaluable.
โI want to personally thank Craig for his service to our club. He has navigated some challenging periods with integrity and professionalism and leaves us in a stronger position than when he arrived.โ
More to come
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