Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley will depart the club to become the AFL’s new Chief Operating Officer. His departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for the Swans, following more than a decade of service and leadership.

Harley joined the Sydney Swans in November 2014 as General Manager of Football and was appointed CEO in 2019. During his tenure, he guided the club through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the establishment of the Swans’ AFLW team, and helped relocate the club to its iconic new home, the Sellers & Colless Centre.

Under his leadership, the Sydney Swans reached three AFL Grand Finals, secured the club’s first AFLW finals appearance, and achieved a record of more than 75,000 members.

Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has paid tribute to Harley’s legacy.

“On behalf of everyone at the Swans I want to thank Tom for more than a decade of service. He will leave our club in the strongest off-field position in its history and with solid foundations for future success,” Pridham said.

“Tom’s passion for sport and compassion for people has always been at the forefront of his leadership. He is a highly respected leader who drives strong culture through his energy, intellect and integrity. He is also much loved by our staff, our athletes, and our partners, and while he may be leaving us, his positive impact on the club will remain apparent for many years to come.

“Tom leaves the club with our absolute blessing as we know what he is capable of and know that he can make an enormous contribution at AFL level. Indeed, we are excited to see him continue to impact the growth of our game.

“To ensure a smooth transition and the opportunity for a handover to his successor, Tom has agreed to remain in his role until at least the conclusion of the 2025 AFL men’s season, and his departure date will remain flexible.

“To Tom, Felicity, and their children Jimmy, Hugo, and Arabella, we wish you all the very best for the future – you will always be part of our red and white family.”

Harley said while the decision was not an easy one, the time is right to make the move.

“Football has been so good to me, and I have always seen my involvement as a privilege. I’m deeply passionate about our sport and committed to doing whatever I can to support its continued growth.

“The Sydney Swans has been my home for many years now, and I’m incredibly proud of everything the club has achieved along the way. While wins and losses will always matter, we’ve never lost sight of our broader purpose — to enrich lives and bring joy to our community. I truly believe we’ve made a meaningful impact in that space, and I’m confident the club will continue to do so into the future.

“At the heart of every football club are its people and the relationships that bind them. From the moment Andrew Ireland invited me to join the Swans, I have had the great fortune to work alongside outstanding people, in particular AFL coaches John Longmire and Dean Cox, and AFLW coach Scott Gowans. We are lucky to have extraordinary people here at the Swans, and I know the club is in very safe hands.

“To the Board — especially Andrew Pridham — as well our staff, and our athletes: thank you. Everything we’ve achieved has been through a whole-of-club effort, and it’s been a privilege to share in that journey with you.

“I’m energised by the challenge ahead and excited to keep working to grow our great game.”

The Sydney Swans will undertake an executive search to appoint Harley’s successor, with a sub-committee of the club’s Board consisting of Andrew Pridham, Alexandra Goodfellow and Brian Tyson to oversee the process.