New Port Adelaide chief executive Mark Haysman's first major decision was simple and personal: switch allegiance from crosstown rival Adelaide!

"My first decision as chief executive of the Port Adelaide footy club is to jump off the Crows," he said.

Haysman, currently a senior executive with brewing company Lion Nathan in Adelaide, will take up his position in October with Port struggling.

Since being thrashed in last year's grand final, the Power have just five wins from 20 matches.

The 41-year-old father of four, who played schoolboy football for South Australia, said he would come to the new role with a passion for the game and an awareness of the challenges ahead.

"I'm the newest recruit to the Power and very, very excited about what lies ahead," Haysman said.

"Over the years I really have admired the Port Adelaide Football Club and everything it stands for.

"I really feel privileged to be leading the footy club as we go forward."

On-field performances aside, Haysman said the biggest challenge facing the Power was better connecting its members and supporters with the club and listening to what was important to them.

"This business is all about brands and people and I'm very passionate about both," he said.

"I really like a challenge as well and I think there's lot of challenges here at the footy club."

Club president Greg Boulton said Haysman was the standout candidate from a field of more than 60 applicants, after the resignation of John James in June.

James quit Port Adelaide to take up a position with an investment firm in the United States.

"Mark Haysman is a proven manager of people and brands with a strong customer and sponsorship focus in the highly competitive national brewing market," said Boulton.

"This makes him the ideal person to be the third chief executive of the Port Adelaide Football Club in the AFL."

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