Melbourne CEO Gary Pert has officially stood down from the club, topping off a turbulent 2024 season.

The embattled Demons chief executive informed staff of his resignation on Thursday morning but is expected to stay on in a consultancy position to help steer Melbourne's proposed move to the Caulfield racecourse, perย News Corp.ย 

Pert's departure comes as the Demons are expected to receive reports from aย full-scale, external review led by New Zealand All Blacks leadership guru Darren Shand, with results to be released in the coming weeks.

Former president Kate Roffey was the first out the door as the club attempted to navigate one of its most tumultuous off-season periods in recent memory after failing to make the finals.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Christian Petracca of the Demons leaves the field injured during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Demons were batting away suggestions of a culture problem yet were forced to face answers regarding allegations of Joel Smith's drug trafficking.

Christian Petracca's life-altering injury in June sparked a desire to move, while fellow teammate Clayton Oliver also reportedly expressed his desire to depart the club.

Pert previously dismissed allegations of a "culture problem," yet mounting controversies โ€” ranging from player dissatisfaction to drug suspensions and mental health issues โ€” have kept the spotlight on the Demons.

A letter from interim president Brad Green stated that Pert's decision was his own and not a result of the findings from the external review.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce that, after six years as CEO of the Melbourne Football Club, Gary Pert has decided to retire and will step down from his role," Green said.

"After careful consideration of what is best for the club, his family, and his own future, Gary concluded that now is the right time to initiate the search for his successor. I want to make it absolutely clear that this decision, including its timing, is Gary's own.ย 

Gary Pert and Kate Roffey during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

On behalf of the entire club and Board, I sincerely thank Gary for the invaluable contributions he has made to the red and blue since joining us at the end of the 2018 season. His leadership has been pivotal in delivering a series of significant achievements both on and off the field, instilling a deep sense of pride in all Dees supporters.

Chief Operating Officer David Chippindall will step in as interim from January 2025, providing steady leadership until the new CEO is firmly in place.

Steven Smith and Chris Barlow have also put their hands up to nominate for Pert's position.