Dave Donaghy is firming in the race to become the next CEO of the Brisbane Broncos after announcing his departure from Melbourne.
The Storm chief executive on Thursday said he would not be renewing his tenure at the club beyond the end of his current contract at the end of January.
In a statement issued by the club, chairman Matt Tripp said Donaghy would be returning to Queensland for personal reasons.
"Dave has made a worthy contribution to Storm over almost 10 years with the club," Tripp said.
"The club backed Dave when we first appointed him as a young CEO in 2015 and that investment has paid off with results on and off the field.
The final moments of the Storm-Panthers grand final
"On behalf of the board, staff, players, coaches, sponsors and members, I wish Dave and his family all the best in the next chapter of his professional career."
Tripp said the search for a new CEO would begin immediately and chief financial officer, Ashley Tucker, would operate as an interim CEO.
"This is a great opportunity for a leader, either internally or externally, to step into a growing business fresh off the back of premiership success," Tripp said.
"The board and shareholders have confidence in the dedicated and experienced senior management team and staff who have been through an extraordinary six months.
"They have shown remarkable adaptability and willingness to work hard for this club through the challenges of COVID and we have no doubt this club will be bigger, stronger and more successful in the future as a result."
Paul White was due to finish his tenure as Broncos CEO at the end of October but recently extended his contract until January.