Mr Haysman announced his resignation after the finalisation on Thursday of the SANFL/AFL investment package for Port Adelaide and SA Football.

“I wanted to stay in the job until I was certain the Port Adelaide Football Club had the financial certainty that would ensure its long-term success off the field and on,” Mr Haysman said.

“I am going with mixed emotions. Mixed because I have loved this job and have had amazing support from everyone, from the Club’s supporters to the Board. But at the same time I am confident I have achieved what I needed toachieve.

“I will move on knowing that the Port Adelaide Football Club is stronger; stronger because it has a secure future and an exciting future.

“I’m confident the Club will arrive at Adelaide Oval just as the fantastic work Coach Matthew Primus is doing with our young team really pays off.

“This is an extraordinary Club and it has been my honour and privilege to be its Chief Executive Officer. I will leave the position proud of what I have done, but even prouder of what those around me here at Alberton have achieved.”

Port Adelaide Football Club President Brett Duncanson paid tribute to Mr Haysman on behalf of the Board of Directors.

“We would have loved for Mark to continue. He has done an outstanding job in a challenging environment,” Mr Duncanson said.

“No-one knows more than the Board what Mark has achieved. The funding we will receive from the SANFL and AFL will allow Port Adelaide to deliver on the foundation laid by the Club under Mark Haysman’s guidance.”

Mr Duncanson said Mr Haysman’s key achievements were building a business strategy that is turning the Club’s financial position around, overseeing the merger of Port Adelaide’s AFL and SANFL entities into One Club and being a driving force behind the transfer of AFL matches from AAMI Stadium to Adelaide Oval from 2014.

“Some of these are things people said would never be achieved, but they have been under Mark Haysman,” Mr Duncanson said.

“The value of Mark’s work – his legacy – will not be fully realised yet. But in the years to come it will be. Believe me, he will be judged then even more highly than he is now.”

Mr Haysman thanked Port Adelaide Members and Supporters for their confidence and faith throughout his time as Chief Executive Officer.

“I know you will understand that it’s is time for me to move on and pass the baton to someone else to guide us through that next phase in our history, the phase that will see you cheering on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval,” Mr Haysman said.

“Hold on to that vision. It is no longer a dream. It will be a reality. The Club wants you with it, there at a redeveloped oval as it realises all of the possibilities that will bring.

“Everyone knows that when I came here I didn’t come as a Port Adelaide supporter, but I came here with a job to do, and that job is done.

“In achieving that - and now fully understanding what this Club means to its supporters, and its place in the sporting fabric of this State … let me tell you I will be a Port Adelaide man forever.”

Mr Haysman expressed his gratitude to his wife Lihini and their four sons for their support during his time at Port Adelaide.

He also thanked the Board, his management team and staff including the players, coaches and everyone in the Football Department.

Mr Haysman, 43 and by profession a chartered accountant, said he was ready to explore exciting new opportunities in the corporate world.

Mr Haysman joined Port Adelaide in October 2008, after serving as Lion Nathan Australia Regional Director with responsibility for South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Mr Haysman will stay with the Club at least until the end of July. The Club will work with the SANFL and the AFL in an exhaustive search to find Port Adelaide’s next Chief Executive Officer.