Collingwood has officially announced Craig Kelly as the club’s Chief Executive Officer.
Kelly played 122 games for the Magpies between 1989 to 1996 including the drought-breaking 1990 premiership.
Following his retirement, Kelly made a name for himself as one of the founders and long-time boss of talent agency TLA which manages more than 300 AFL players and a raft of coaches.
SEN’s Sam Edmund reported in December that it was a “fait accompli” that Kelly would eventually step into the role and that was confirmed today by president Jeff Browne.
“Craig Kelly is an extremely well-rounded professional and a highly-respected person within the football community who has the ideal skillset to be the CEO of our great Club,” Browne said via a statement.
“Craig understands better than most the requirements of a strong and successful football club. His three-decades of vast experience in managing AFL and key sporting talent, driving a high-performance environment and delivering successful results was a key factor in his appointment.
“From a football perspective, Craig was a tough and passionate Collingwood footballer who represented the Magpies on 122 occasions – including as a member of our 1990 Premiership side.
“We look forward to welcoming Craig back at the Pies as CEO during what is a truly exciting time for the Collingwood Football Club and all of our Members and supporters.
“I want to also thank Graham Wright for an outstanding job as interim CEO and the wider Executive team who took on additional responsibilities over recent months. Graham has lead us with great passion and expertise.”
Kelly said he felt “privileged” to step into the role at a club he loves.
“The Collingwood Football Club means a lot to many people, including my family, and I feel privileged to be able to lead our Club as it continues to progress,” Kelly said via a statement.
“I am incredibly honoured to be provided with the opportunity to return to the Pies and give back to the Collingwood community.
“The Club has continued to grow and expand over the years and I am excited to steer that growth while supporting and developing the talent of our people, both on and off the field.
“There is momentum at Collingwood, and I look forward to building relationships across the Club and working alongside the Board, staff, coaches and athletes as we enter the next phase.
“It has been an incredible 26 years growing ESP/TLA alongside our dedicated staff – both past and present. I would like to thank everyone at TLA, in particular the outstanding executive team and our amazing talent – a lot who are lifelong friends of myself and my family. Without the talent, and the incredible sports and long-term clients we work with, the journey would not have been as fun or fulfilling as it has been.”
Kelly’s son Will is currently a contracted player with Collingwood.
The 56-year-old begins his role at the Magpies on February 20.