Gunston, a former executive at Tattersalls and father of Hawthorn player Jack, replaced Ian Robson last week.
Robson was forced to resign after accepting responsibility for administrative failings identified in the Switkowski report into the club's governance.
The report was commissioned after Essendon's supplements program last season became the subject of an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority inquiry.
Gunston has been charged with navigating the club through the remainder of the drugs crisis, but already can see himself in the position long-term.
"I'd like to think that's what is ahead of me and look forward to the opportunity," Gunston told essendonfc.com.au.
"Even though I have come in as the interim CEO, I am not going to be warming the seat.
"The first priority is to act on the recommendations and findings in the Switkowski report."
Gunston insisted things were in good shape, despite the predicament in which the Bombers found themselves.
"I am really encouraged with what I have walked into," he said.
Gunston has been an Essendon member for 35 years, and sat on the club's board in 2007.
The Bombers are set to conduct a thorough recruitment process for the CEO position.
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL
