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Long-serving Richmond CEO Brendon Gale has announced he will step down from the position at the end of the 2024 season.
Gale took over as Tigers CEO in late 2009 and has been credited with helping to lift the club's fortunes both on and off the field.
The Tigers won three AFL premierships between 2017 and 2020, and he played a key role in improving their financial stability during his tenure.
His decision will fuel speculation he will join the AFL's incoming 19th club, the Tasmania Devils, as they prepare for their entry into the men's and women's competitions later this decade.
Gale also played 244 matches for the Tigers between 1990 and 2001.
"I have spent half my life at this club as an administrator and player," Gale said in a Richmond media release.
"It is time for me to embark on a new challenge and for the club to write the next chapter.
"I'll remain absolutely focused on the job at hand for the coming months. It is an exciting and challenging period for us on and off the field.
"The breadth and depth of our leadership is a real feature of our club, and we are all getting on with the job at hand and that is where my energies will be focused."
Richmond president John O'Rourke said Gale was an "outstanding leader".
"He has kept the board informed as he has worked through this decision, wanting to ensure a smooth transition," O'Rourke said.
"There will be a time and a place for all of us to get together and properly pay tribute to the remarkable contribution Brendon has made to this club."
O'Rourke said the Tigers have begun the process of recruiting a new CEO to replace Gale at the end of the season.
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