The St Kilda Football Club wishes to advise that Michael Nettlefold has informed the board of his intention to move out of the role as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Nettlefold will continue to work with the club until an appropriate replacement is found.

Mr Nettlefold has served as a club director for eight years and was appointed as CEO following Archie Fraser’s departure in 2009.

During Mr Nettlefold’s term, St Kilda played in three Grand Finals, relocated to a state of the art facility in Seaford and hosted the first ever game played for premiership points outside Australia when they took on the Sydney Swans in Wellington, New Zealand on Anzac Day this year.

Nettlefold said he left the Saints confident in the club’s direction.

“We have a number of major initiatives in place that are on the way to fruition. This meant a commitment for another long period and on reflection I felt the time was right for me to transition out of the position,” Mr Nettlefold said.

“Having worked closely with our new President Peter Summers over a number of years, I have great confidence the club is in solid hands and know we are well-positioned to re-emerge and contend again in the very near future.”

Mr Nettlefold has had a long affinity with St Kilda, having grown up in the club’s heartland in bayside Melbourne before playing 43 games for the Saints from 1979 to 1983.

He went on to play 31 games for Fitzroy from 1983-85.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead and work with so many wonderful and committed Saints people. It has been a great pleasure to have served this proud club,” he said.

“My relationship with the Saints has lasted 35 years and it has not ended, but simply changed in focus. I will remain a proud and passionate Saint for the rest of my days.”

Newly-elected President Peter Summers paid tribute to Mr Nettlefold for his service to the Saints.

“The whole club will be sorry to see Michael step down. He has done an outstanding job since being asked to take on the role of CEO five years ago,” Mr Summers said.

“Michael is in many respects a quiet achiever who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his beloved St Kilda football club.”