North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio has stepped down from his position at the club, just weeks after the appointment of new senior coach Alastair Clarkson.
Amarfio's position reportedly became untenable following Clarkson's arrival, with president Sonja Hood being the one to head the chase for the four-time premiership coach. Amarfio was set to lead the search for a second option should Clarkson turn down the Kangaroos' offer.
Amarfio has been credited for helping lift North Melbourne out of debt for the first time in over three decades during his three years in the role and will remain at the club while they search for a replacement.
Incoming coach Clarkson has had a storied history of clashing with club CEO's and will reportedly be involved in the selection process for the next, working alongside the club's board.
Hood thanked Amarfio for his time in the role, crediting him for leaving the club heading in an upward trajectory.
"Ben is one of the most talented and hard-working executives I know and his genuine care for his executive team and staff is something I have witnessed first-hand," Hood said in a club statement.
"โฆ We have zero historical debt, we've broken membership records in each of Ben's three years, we're about to complete the $8 million stage two extension of our Arden St facility, we've just re-signed Mazda as our major partner and we are set to play a major role in the State Government's plans for the Arden Precinct.
"Ben's greatest and most long-lasting legacy will be the Arden Precinct vision he led and fought for so strongly from the moment he walked through the doors. Present and future North Melbourne players, officials, members and supporters will enjoy the fruits of that work for generations to come and it has paved the way for the club to be embedded in North Melbourne for the next 150 years.
" ... On a personal note, Ben has provided exceptional support and counsel to me, and I have loved working with him."
Amarfio said he was "satisfied" with his work throughout his time at Arden Street.
"When I joined North Melbourne I was struck by the privilege of meeting and building relationships with wonderful North people and partners and the exciting prospect of assisting in the turnaround of our proud clubโs on and off field situation," Amarfio said.
"Off-field we are debt-free, enjoy profits each year, will finish this year with forecasted cash reserves of around $3 million and we will have surpassed a membership tally of 50K, something seen as almost impossible three years ago when we had only 38,000 members.
" โฆ I will leave satisfied that a very solid foundation has been laid and the club is in a wonderful position to grow from an off- and on-field perspective for our men's and women's programs."
