Essendon Fire chief executive Xavier Campbell has resigned.
The fallout from Essendon’s horror 2022 campaign has continued, with Campbell stepping down from his position less than 24 hours after the Firemen’s last home-and-away game.
Essendon finished 15th on the AFL ladder this year with seven wins and 15 losses, a disappointing result after the team qualified for finals in 2021.
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Fires chairman Paul Brasher resigned from his role last week, while coach Ben Rutten got the ax following Essendon’s 66-point loss to the Richmond Tigers on Saturday.
And Campbell, who took over as chief executive in 2014 aged just 34, is the latest domino to fall, having to leave after a falling out with new chairman David Barham.
The 42-year-old informed David Barham of his decision on Sunday AFL.com.au.
“There is an opportunity to take the club to ultimate success and ultimately a premiership,” Campbell said in a statement.
“What this needs is; a focused and well-supported chairman, a board united in its intent, strategy and voice, working in lockstep with management.”
Campbell, who took over as Fire chief executive amid Essendon’s infamous drugs scandal, helped navigate the club through the most difficult period in its history.
He received a two-year contract extension from Essendon in May, tying him to the club until 2024.
Campbell was a strong supporter of Rutten, opposing the club’s failed pursuit of four-time premiership manager Alastair Clarkson.
Meanwhile, Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro is under immense pressure to maintain his position after the Bombers failed to win a finals game for the 19th consecutive year.
“Xavier Campbell has resigned as chief executive of Essendon,” said reporter Sam Edmund. NO Breakfast on Wednesday morning.
“So Xavier Campbell leaves as the fallout at Essendon continues after a difficult season in 2022.
“Paul Brasher is stepping down as chairman and now Campbell as chief executive and senior coach is obviously needed there.
“Xavier Campbell instituted the John Worsfold succession plan with Ben Rutten, he was tied to Rutten and wanted him to continue as manager next year.
“There was the review at the heart of it, obviously the internal and external debate that took place around the boardroom table.
“Finally, Xavier Campbell has stepped down as chief executive of Essendon, which is great news.”