OUTGOING Western Bulldogs CEO David Stevenson denies a breakdown in his relationship with president Peter Gordon forced him to resign, but admits he planned for a longer stint at the Kennel.
Stevenson has tendered his sudden resignation after less than 12 months in the top job amid reports he endured a strained relationship with Gordon.
"No, I think that Peter said it last night, there's always going to be robust conversations between any CEO and the president and the board. That's healthy to have different points of view," Stevenson told SEN.
"But the time was right for me. I'm really proud of the results we've driven in the time I've been there, a lot of club records, and I think it's now time.
"I don't feel like I filled the dance card (but) we had some tremendous results.
"Record revenue, record sponsorship, record membership, record TV ratings, record attendances – lots of great achievements.
"And we've got a couple of exciting things coming in the future. I think it's a bright future at the Bulldogs and I was proud to play my role for 12 months."
Stevenson is the second consecutive CEO to quit the club following former player Simon Garlick's resignation in January last year.
The news comes just days after the Dogs' upset loss to St Kilda, which saw them drop out of the top four and lose key players Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath to season-ending injuries.
Having grown up in Ringwood, Stevenson said his main reason leaving his previous position at Nike was to return to Melbourne with his three children.
"I certainly had planned for a longer-term view (at the Bulldogs), but I feel like now the time's right," he said.
"It's a private decision that I've made. It's in the best interest of my family and myself."
Stevenson, who denied Gordon has an office inside the Whitten Oval, said the president is "very hands on because he's passionate about the club".
Gordon told 3AW on Monday evening his relationship with Stevenson was sometimes rocky but was overall a productive one.
"It's true for every organisation where people are trying hard to achieve a common result and trying to get ahead of the competition in something as intense as the AFL, that you'll have your occasional argument and you'll have your occasional robust discussion," Gordon said.
"I think that history will record the last 12 months as a great partnership between David and I.
"Sure, we've had our robust discussions, but we worked really solidly to get the women's licence, we worked really solidly together to achieve further growth and development of the Whitten Oval."
In a statement released on Monday evening, the Bulldogs thanked Stevenson for his time at the club.
Gordon said the Bulldogs had "learned a lot from [Stevenson] in the past 12 months which will be of enduring value. He has achieved a lot and we thank him for his work."
In response, Stevenson said: "I am proud of the accomplishments of the club under my leadership over the last year, I thank the tremendous support I have received from our fans and staff and I wish the club future success."
Incoming CEO Gary Kent, a former CFO of Skilled Group and Coles Group, has been a board member and chair of the club's finance, audit and risk committee for the past five years.
Kent's move to the top job has prompted a board reshuffle. Club great and executive director of football Chris Grant has stepped down from his board role to focus on his new management job.
