"His departure was confirmed by the club on Tuesday, seven months after he officially assumed the role in September 2024."
Melbourne Demons CEO Departs After Seven Months
The Melbourne Football Club has parted ways with Chief Executive Officer Paul Guerra. The club confirmed his departure on Tuesday, marking a significant leadership change just seven months into his official tenure.
Key Details
- Appointment Timeline: Guerra was appointed CEO in April 2024 and officially began the role in September 2024.
- Short Tenure: His tenure lasted approximately seven months.
- Confirmation: The club confirmed his departure on Tuesday.
- Ongoing Reports: Club president Steven Smith has reportedly been contacted regarding the departure.
Background
Prior to his time at Melbourne, Guerra served as CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. He also held the position of executive chair of the Queen Victoria Market and serves as a non-executive director of Racing Victoria.
During his tenure as CEO, Guerra oversaw the appointment of senior coach Steven King, who has led the team to a 5-2 start in the current season.
Guerra replaced interim CEO David Chippindall, who had served following the dismissal of former coach Simon Goodwin in August 2024. Brad Green served as club president until December 2024, when Steven Smith was elected as his successor. Following Guerra's appointment, Brian Cook—a former teammate of Smith—was recruited on a part-time basis to mentor Guerra.
Next Steps
The club is expected to provide a statement regarding the reasons for Guerra's departure. Multiple media sources have reported that Brian Cook could potentially step in as interim CEO.
The Demons, currently fourth in the standings, are scheduled to face top-ranked Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.