Hawthorn have appointed Geelong's chief operating officer Stuart Fox as their chief executive for the next five years.

Fox, who has been with the Cats for almost 10 years, takes over from Ian Robson.

Robson recently quit Hawthorn to take over the chief executive's role being vacated by the retiring Peter Jackson at Essendon.

Hawks president Jeff Kennett said Fox's personal values and financial acumen made him an ideal administrative leader.

"His commercial experience will serve Hawthorn well as we complete our five2fifty business plan in 2012," Kennett said.

That plan involves a goal of two premierships and 50,000 members within a five-year period, an aim the Hawks are well on the way to achieving, with last year's premiership and a membership figure already above the target.

"Stuart will oversee its successor business plan for the period 2012-2020 which will be completed by the end of 2011, when it will be presented to members," Kennett said.

Cats chief executive Brian Cook said Fox had long been seen as ready for a chief executives job and had achieved plenty at Geelong.

"Stuart played a major role in leading both stages of the $60 million redevelopments of Skilled Stadium and he has overseen our commercial operations during a time when the club's revenues and profits have grown enormously," Cook said.

"I am sure that he will bring energy and innovation to Hawthorn."

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