Peter Jackson.

Peter Jackson. Photo: Paul Jones



As it searches for a way through its awful start to the season, Melbourne has made a positive step forward, appointing respected football executive Peter Jackson as interim chief executive.


The veteran executive was the long term head of Essendon and has consulted in the AFL and VFL since leaving the Dons.


His appointment comes after the resignation of chief executive Cameron Schwab following the club's humiliating losses to Port Adelaide (79 points), Essendon (148 points). Melbourne subsequently lost by 94 to West Coast.


On Thursday, the Melbourne board ratified Jackson's appointment as interim CEO on a six-month contract. Businessman Geoff Freeman was also accepted on to the board.


"The board is the first to acknowledge that today the Club as a whole, both on and off the field, has not met the goals we set 4 years ago. This is unacceptable and must be addressed," a club board statement said.


"The board has appointed Peter (Jackson) as an interim CEO to critically assess all aspects of our club, and he has the experience to do that. Peter will oversee the day to day operations of the club through to the end of season 2013, and he will participate in the process to select a full time CEO.


"Secondly, the board is also very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Geoff Freeman as a Director of the Club. A lifelong supporter and Foundation Hero, Geoff brings a wealth of business experience and acumen to our Board. Geoff will have particular focus at Board level on our key relationships, particularly our sponsors and business partners."


Freeman was a founding partner of Freeman McMurrick, a large privately-owned Insurance Broking House bought out in 2006 by Aon, the world’s largest insurance Broker.