Campbell's elevation comes after he was appointed the club's chief operating officer last December as part of chairman Paul Little's restructure of the club's executive.

Campbell has overseen a rebuild of the Bombers' football department, with Neil Craig appointed the club's head of football performance, managing the coaching team, and Rob Kerr hired to manage the club's list, recruiting and IT programs.

The 34-year-old Campbell had previously worked for five years as the club's general manager of projects and partnerships.

Chairman Paul Little said the decision to promote Campbell to CEO was unanimous.

“I’d like to congratulate Xavier on his appointment to the position of CEO,” Little said.

“We had an extremely talented and experienced group of candidates from a range of different business and sporting backgrounds to choose from, but as a club we felt Xavier had displayed the necessary qualities and business acumen to make the step up to the role of CEO.”

“Xavier has been an integral member of the club’s senior management for the past five years, and over the last eight months has shown tremendous leadership, work ethic and vision as interim CEO.”

“Xavier’s knowledge and strong relationships with the football department, administration and key stakeholders has already enabled him to improve key areas of the club, including a restructure of the executive and football department.”

Campbell, a SANFL premiership player with Sturt who has worked for the South Australian government and for global sports marketing company Octagon, said he wanted to ensure Essendon "is strong both on and off the field".

“As a club we still face a number of challenges moving forward, but I have full confidence in the direction we are heading as a club."