BRISBANE Lions chairman Tony Kelly will stand down from the club's board at the end of the season.
A key figure at the Lions for 12 years, Kelly decided against seeking re-election and told the board of his decision in July.
Kelly, who succeeded Graeme Downie as chairman in 2006, steered the Lions to operating profits in 2007 and 2008, played a central role in the appointment of coach Michael Voss and has overseen plans for their new social club.
He said it had been an honour to serve on the board for more than a decade.
"Now is an appropriate time for me to step aside so the club can get some new blood and fresh faces in place to achieve our next objectives," he told lions.com.au.
"It's an exciting time and the board has already been active in identifying and assessing potential new directors.
"As we won't be participating in September action this year, the board's strategic activities are now well and truly focused on preparing for the 2011 season and beyond.
"I have every confidence that this club has built a platform from which to deliver further on-field success in the near future and am comfortable in the knowledge that I'm leaving the board in more than capable hands."
The challenges immediately facing the Lions include the introduction of the Gold Coast franchise and an internal review of a season that has produced just two wins from the last 16 games.
Early this week, Voss and chief executive Michael Bowers presented the framework for their review to the board, which will appoint a third person to carry it out.
Deputy chairman Angus Johnson has already been confirmed as Kelly's replacement.