Former Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg has quit the fractured AFL club's board following the appointment of new president Andy Gowers.
Gowers' elevation to the top job was confirmed on Tuesday night, concluding a fiery election campaign.
The 53-year-old was endorsed by the 'Hawks for Change' group and defeated Jeff Kennett's anointed successor Peter Nankivell, while incumbent directors Katie Hudson and Anne-Marie Pellizzer were re-elected.
Vandenberg, who joined the Hawthorn board in 2016, was a strong supporter of Nankivell and had been set to take on the role of vice-president if the latter had been successful.
Vandenberg's resignation was confirmed by the Hawks on Wednesday.
"A Nominations Committee will be used to seek candidates for the role, with more information to be provided in the coming weeks," the club said in a statement.
Gowers had previously been critical of the board's decision to make Hudson and Pellizzer re-apply for their positions while extending Vandenberg's tenure as football director by one year.
Vandenberg was influential in the decision to replace former coach Alastair Clarkson with Sam Mitchell.
The 145-game former skipper was a strong supporter of his ex-teammate Mitchell, who will enter his second season in charge in 2023.
