South Sydney co-owner Peter Holmes a Court has quit as chief executive of the embattled club, with former boss Shane Richardson reappointed to the role.

Holmes a Court stood down at a club board meeting on Monday after two years in the position, but will remain involved in the club as a director and "long-term shareholder".

Nicholas Pappas has been appointed as non-executive chairman of the club while former premiership-winning Penrith coach John Lang was added to the coaching staff as a football consultant.

"I am proud to have worked with a united board for the last two years, proud to have given my time and investment to this great club, and honoured to have been chairman for our first finals appearance in 18 years," said Holmes a Court in a statement.

"We have used the last two years to put in place the essential building blocks: strong sponsorship, the fastest growing membership in the NRL and a great football department.

"We have added a first class stadium deal, an elite training facility now under construction in our heartland of Redfern, and an away camp at Coffs Harbour.

"As I promised, I am handing over the chairmanship to Nicholas Pappas.

"I remain a director, a very long term shareholder and a member ready to support the team this Sunday at ANZ Stadium."

Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe hit back at reports of the embattled club's state but said the board changes were a positive step for the club.

"The reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated," said Crowe in a statement.

"Today the board applauded Peter's achievements in lifting the South Sydney club and collectively we thanked him for his gargantuan effort over the past two years.

"Right now it's my belief that what South Sydney needs is the continuity, knowledge and experience that both Nick Pappas and (CEO) Shane Richardson bring.

"Both men come from within the Souths family and both men understand intimately how to take advantage of the progress the club has made."

The appointment of Lang will help the Rabbitohs who have struggled to just one win from 10 games this year and sit a distant last place on the NRL table.

Coach Jason Taylor welcomed the addition of such a respected coaching figure.

"I think John Lang will add a great deal to the football department here at Souths and I'm really looking forward to working with him," said Taylor.

"His experience will be invaluable to the football club.

"I'm 100 per cent behind Shane Richardson's return to the CEO's position and now we can all move forward and concentrate on winning football games."

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