CARLTON chief executive Steven Trigg has resigned.
The move comes amid speculation linking former AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean to the position.
Trigg has been the Blues' CEO since 2014 after he crossed from Adelaide, where he was CEO for 13 seasons.
President Mark LoGiudice confirmed the Blues would engage a search firm to find Trigg's replacement after an "amicable" parting of ways.
"We’ve had discussions over the last couple of months," LoGiudice told News Corp.
"This has not been an easy discussion. We’ve come to a mutual, conciliatory agreement."
"Steven has worked closely with coach Brendon Bolton, the board and all staff to drive improved results across the entire club," LoGiudice said.
"Our search for a new CEO will focus on finding someone with a strong commercial background who will drive the club to the next level required for success."
Carlton staff were said to be in shock at the announcement on Thursday.
Trigg said he had been in discussions with the club about his future in recent months, but the decision from the board to make a move was "earlier than ideal".
"I’m extraordinarily proud of the changes and the strong foundations we’ve made over the past three years," he said.
"We’ve grown financially, the football program is in great shape and we’ve been true to our word in redeveloping the list.
"I have no doubt that a successful era is in front of Carlton because there are so many great people throughout the club and I would like to thank each of them for their great support in my time at the Blues."
Trigg took over from Greg Swann at Carlton in August 2014 and had overseen the appointment of Bolton and a commitment to rebuild through the draft.
His resignation follows the sacking of Tracey Gaudry as Hawthorn CEO on Monday, just five months into the job.
There are now four clubs searching for a new CEO, with Collingwood parting ways with Gary Pert in July.
The Western Bulldogs are searching for a permanent replacement for Gary Kent, who initially took over from David Stevenson in an interim capacity.
Hawthorn has ruled out Lethlean as a replacement for Gaudry.
