COLLINGWOOD chief executive Gary Pert says the timing is perfect to announce his resignation after a decade at the helm of the AFL's biggest club.
Pert told president Eddie McGuire late last week that he was leaving, with the decision made public on Monday, less than 24 hours after a stirring win over West Coast.
The one-time All-Australian-turned-administrator is leaving as the board conducts a wide-ranging club review.
"10 years is enough," Pert said.
"To implement the outcomes that will come from the blueprint review, Collingwood needs someone prepared to be committed all the way.
"The future of this football club is being re-imagined.
"Collingwood is preparing for significant change and I needed to decide whether I was prepared to commit long-term."
The 52-year-old ruled out applying for the vacant role as the AFL's general manager of football operations, saying his immediate priority was to spend more time with his family.
McGuire paid tribute to his longtime friend and loyal lieutenant.
"Gary has been very selfless in making the decision at a time that suits the football club," said McGuire.
The pair held the club's key off-field roles during the 2010 premiership and helped to mastermind the high-profile coaching transition from flag-winner Mick Malthouse to Nathan Buckley.
Businessman Peter Murphy, who is overseeing the blueprint review project, has been appointed interim CEO.
Pert will remain at the club until the end of the season to assist Murphy.
Prior to joining the Magpies, Pert worked at media companies Austereo and Channel Nine.
It remains to be seen what the ramifications of Pert's decision are on out-of-contract coach Nathan Buckley.
Buckley, one of the club's favourite sons, has come under significant criticism for his coaching tenure at the club.
A fortnight ago, Pert guaranteed players and football staff that no decision would be made on Buckley's future until the end of the season.
Collingwood have won their past two matches but are set to miss the finals for a fourth straight year, leading to calls for change.
The Magpies, under Pert, have already botched one staff transition.
GWS football boss Graeme Allan was brought to the club and given the role of director of football before he was banned for 12 months for his involvement in the Lachie Whitfield drugs saga.
Allan allegedly advised Whitfield to stay at another staff member's house to avoid a drugs test last year.
Allan subsequently left the Magpies, as did respected football adviser Neil Balme, who was sidelined by Allan's arrival.
