GARY Pert was the "absolute standout" candidate as the successor to outgoing Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson, chairman Glen Bartlett says.

Pert, the former chief executive at Collingwood, was officially appointed to the role last week and will take over when Jackson's tenure ends in October.

The selection of Pert caught some off guard given the belief the Demons were keen to develop and promote a person from within their own organisation.

But Bartlett told SEN that Pert was the unanimous choice from a shortlist of five candidates following a number of rounds of interviews.

"Gary was the absolute standout and particularly when we looked at what's in front of us commercially, exiting gaming, facilities," Bartlett said.

"Gary had a very strong record at what he had done at Collingwood in that space.

"It's exciting for the club and maybe caught a few people by surprise because we've got a strong board that doesn't leak, and that process was ingrained for some weeks."

Pert was appointed ahead of internal candidates including football manager Josh Mahoney, chief financial officer David Chippindall and commercial operations manager George De Crespigny.

One of Pert's major roles will be to oversee the Demons' plan to build a new training base and headquarters, with an area next to the MCG and Yarra Park being considered.

"We're really keen and have been working with the AFL and state government to look at all options in that area," Bartlett said.

"We're working really hard behind the scenes … and making sure we set up the club for the next 30 to 50 years.

"It's early days, but it's exciting as well."