Outgoing Carlton chief executive Greg Swann denies he is already set to take the same post with AFL strugglers Brisbane.
After several weeks of speculation about his future, Carlton announced on Wednesday that Swann will resign on June 23 – the same day that Stephen Kernahan steps down as Blues president.
Swann has held the post since 2007, following a seven-year term as Collingwood chief executive.
The resignation of Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes earlier this month immediately prompted talk that Swann would take his place.
But Swann told the Carlton website he has not spoken to Brisbane.
“Whether that happens in the future, time will tell,” Swann said.
Swann also said it was his decision to resign.
He was due to step down at the end of the year and Swann said he would now take a break before deciding what to do next.
“It’s been my call – I’ve just felt after seven and a half years, it’s time for me to look for new challenges,” he said.
“Maybe it’s the seven-year itch, I don’t know.”
Swann also admitted he had mixed feelings about leaving the post.
His resignation follows a tumultuous start to the season for Carlton, who were in dire straits after the upset round-four loss against Melbourne.
The Blues have since steadied, winning four of their past five games.
Carlton confirmed late last month that Mark LoGiudice, as expected, would take over from Kernahan as president.
Swann joined Carlton in 2007 and Kernahan started his presidency the following year.
“It probably fits in with the club as well because there’s a new regime coming in (and) they’ll have free space to do whatever they want with the position,” Swann said of leaving at the same time as Kernahan.
Swann said he could stay in the AFL, but would look at other business opportunities.
He has long been close to Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, working alongside him at the Magpies and the Blues.
One of the most controversial moments of Swann’s time at Carlton was the decision at the end of the 2012 season to sack coach Brett Ratten and replace him with Malthouse.
Swann said the two highlights of his time at Carlton were the redevelopment of their Visy Park headquarters and the team’s gradual improvement in the last seven years.
The Blues have appointed recruiting firm Egon-Zehnder to help them find a replacement for Swann.
The AFL used the same company when it looked for Andrew Demetriou’s replacement as chief executive, with his No.2 Gillon McLachlan taking the job.