HAWTHORN has announced 1991 premiership player Andrew Gowers as its new football director, replacing Jason Dunstall.

 

Dunstall will retire from the club's board early in 2014 after nine years in the role.

 

Gowers played 140 VFL/AFL games for the Hawks, the Brisbane Bears and the Brisbane Lions between 1988 and 1999.

 

He completed a business degree at Monash University and a financial services diploma during his playing career, and now owns and runs a financial consulting business.

 

Also at its annual general meeting at the MCG on Monday night, Hawthorn announced that Professor Linda Kristjanson would join the board alongside Gowers, replacing Geoff Harris, who has served his maximum term.

 

Professor Kristjanson won the Australian Telstra Business Woman of the Year award in 2002, in recognition of her entrepreneurial work in health, science and innovation.

 

She serves on the boards of several organisations, including as chair of AuScope Ltd.

 

Two-time premiership defender Brent Guerra, former coach and player Ken Judge and outgoing director Harris were awarded life membership.