SIMON Garlick has resigned as CEO of the Western Bulldogs, declaring the time was right for more change at the kennel.

Garlick has been CEO since 2010 and spent more than 13 years at the club, also filling roles as a player, board member and manager.

"The time is right for me to resign and start a new chapter in my life and career," he said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

A sub-committee of the Bulldogs' board will lead the search for a successor, with president Peter Gordon and chief operating officer Michael Quinn to share the CEO duties until an appointment is made.  

Gordon said Garlick had played an important role for the Bulldogs in a difficult period of their history.

"Under his leadership, the club has maintained membership levels through this period of indifferent on-field performance and he has maintained the economic position of the club through that difficult time," Gordon said.

Garlick’s departure continues a tumultuous off-season for the Dogs.

They appointed new coach Luke Beveridge last November after the dramatic departure of third-year coach Brendan McCartney.

There has also been on-field upheaval, with veteran Robert Murphy appointed captain after former skipper Ryan Griffen departed for Greater Western Sydney.

Senior players Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne) and Adam Cooney (Essendon) also departed after the season finished.

Gordon is entering the third year of his second stint as president after replacing David Smorgon, who led the club from 1997-2012.

Garlick said he was leaving the club in a stable position as it strives to return to the finals for the first time since 2010.

"I believe it’s in the best interests of the club, my family and myself at this time given the recent appointment of a new coach, a stable board in place and a new five-year strategic plan for the club ready to be launched," he said. 

"I’m proud of all I have accomplished here at Western Bulldogs during my tenure as the chief executive. 

"It has been a privilege to serve the club in this capacity after representing it as a player.

"I wish Rob Murphy and all players, Luke Beveridge and his coaches and the entire club all the very best. The football talent is clearly present and foundations are there for future success."

During Garlick's tenure, the Bulldogs have reintroduced Footscray into the VFL, winning the 2014 premiership; renewed Mission as the club's longest-serving sponsor in its history; and announced a partnership with the City of Ballarat and Victorian Government to develop Eureka Stadium.