The Hawthorn board have anointed vice-president Andrew Newbold to succeed Jeff Kennett as president at the AFL club.

The appointment will be subject to a members' vote that will be finalised at the club's annual general meeting.

Kennett, the former Victorian Premier, has been one of the league's most outspoken club presidents since he took over the role in 2006.

He will stand down in December.

Newbold, a lawyer and businessman, joined the Hawks' board in 2003.

The club said in a statement that the board recommendation was unanimous.

"Andrew represents a generational change which can only be good for the club as we move into the next five years of our work," Kennett said.

The board is also recommending that current director Geoff Harris become vice-president.

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