Robson – who is currently Hawthorn chief executive – will replace Essendon CEO and managing director Peter Jackson who has decided to retire from the club after 13-years.

“The Essendon board would like to take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contribution of Peter Jackson. He has been an excellent sports administrator and is recognized widely within the football community as one of the very best,” Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh said.

“Peter has played an integral role in building Essendon into the AFL powerhouse it is today and his contribution to the success of this club for more than a decade cannot be underestimated. He has said that the time has come to focus on new challenges and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Horsburgh said that Robson has an impressive track record of success and experience especially within the AFL environment.

“At Essendon we are following a similar football and business strategy to that of Hawthorn – including focusing on bringing through a young playing group together – which makes Ian an excellent fit for us and we are pleased to have attracted our new CEO from a successful club,” Horsburgh said.

“He has held senior management positions in Australia and overseas, including Auckland and Scotland, culminating in his employment at Hawthorn for the past five years – he has a wealth of corporate and football knowledge and we are confident we have secured the best person for the job.

“Significantly, during his time at the Hawks the club had grown considerably - including attracting over 50,000 members this year for the first time - and I believe he will help Essendon build towards further on and off-field success.”

Robson will start with Essendon - and Jackson will officially finish with the club - at the end of this season.