The Australian Football League's first female club CEO was on Monday "forced out of her job after just four months," according to Greg Denham of THE AUSTRALIAN. Former cyclist Tracey Gaudry "took up her position" at Hawthorn in June after leaving a role with Athletics Australia. According to "Hawthorn insiders," Gaudry's "communications skills internally and management style at the club were considered poor." She reportedly "failed to engage at the level required with senior managers and did not form staff relationships," including with the "all-important" football department. There is "now pressure to replace" Hawthorn President Richard Garvey, who controlled the appointment and "bypassed several candidates with sound football administrative backgrounds." Hawthorn "powerbrokers" said that Garvey had lost respect at the club, particularly as he went against "tradition" and "usual protocol" by not "properly consulting with the AFL" before appointing Gaudry. Some were calling for Garvey's "immediate resignation" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/3). In Melbourne, Michael Warner reported Garvey said, "Unfortunately, Tracey has faced extenuating family and personal circumstances this year which have made it difficult to continue in the role." Hawthorn Dir Peter Nankivell will act as the club’s interim CEO. The club "tried to support Gaudry in the role and were aware early in her tenure she faced some challenges in the position" (HERALD SUN, 10/2).
