'Mixed feelings': Manly CEO confirms departure

Manly CEO Tony Mestrov says he has "mixed feelings" about leaving the club after the Sea Eagles confirmed they will be on the lookout for a new chief executive.

Mestrov has held the position of CEO for the past three years but the last 12 months have been a turbulent time for the club.

News had been brewing the Sea Eagles and Mestrov, a former head of Greyhounds NSW, were poised to split and the club formally announced the decision on Tuesday morning.

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"After a three-year term, there are mixed feelings in departing Manly. I am proud of the business transformation delivered by a hard-working team that I had the pleasure to lead," Mestrov said in a statement released by the club.

"I believe the club is well positioned for future success, on and off the field, and can build upon the foundations that are now in place.

"I look forward to keeping in touch with the Manly family who have been welcoming and supportive during my tenure - and a particular thanks must go the staff and supporters for their commitment and passion for the club, which helped underpin the journey of the past three years."

Mestrov has agreed to stay in his current role until December 19, while the club looks for a replacement.

"Tony has been CEO for just over three years, and I can say that the club is on a much stronger footing than when he started, and we are very thankful for his leadership term at our club," Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn said.

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"Tony has overseen the successful growth of commercial revenues, memberships and ticket sales, while at the same time helping to transform the culture of our office teams.

"On behalf of the board, I thank Tony for his dedication and for a legacy contribution to the club. We wish him all the very best with his next venture."

The Sea Eagles missed the finals, skipper and favourite son Daly Cherry-Evans announced he was quitting the club at the start of the season and contract negotiations with pin-up boy Tom Trbojevic played out awkwardly through the media.

Mestrov, aged 55, made his first grade debut for Manly in 1990 before stints at Souths, London Broncos and Wigan.

He retired at the end of the 2001 season and began the move into sporting administration.