Mr Brown revealed on Monday that he would be stepping down from the role of CEO at Kardinia Park Stadium Trust in February next year.

The decision follows a particularly trying time for Mr Brown as he commutes between Melbourne and Geelong to care for his elderly parents aged in their 90s.

“Like many people, I find myself at a stage in my life where our aging parents are requiring more support and more of my time and now is the right time to give back to them.”

He first joined the Trust in 2016, after inaugural CEO Chris Cochrane’s departure. He led as the Trust’s interim CEO for six months, before signing a permanent deal in mid-2017.

“I told (then-chairman) Steve Bracks that I would come down and help for two months. I liked it so much I ended up staying for two years,” Mr Brown said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kardinia Park and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve.

“We have attracted more international events to the Stadium and have become a strong community partner.”

Mr Brown has helped acquire new and varied sporting events to the Stadium, including Big Bash, NRL, A-League Soccer and the expansion into AFLW. He has also been integral to the push for more community events, such as the Festival of Sport and has worked to strengthen the relationship with the Geelong Football Club.

Mr Brown has provided a finishing date of 15 February 2019, however he said he would work with the Trust throughout the recruitment of his successor.

“We accept (Michael’s) offer to help transition the business into new leadership. It is a credit to his integrity and dedication that he has made this decision,” Trust Chairman Michael Malouf said.

“The Trust acknowledges this is a great loss for our business, however family must always come first and we understand and respect Michael’s decision,” he said.

“The Trust will meet to discuss a succession plan in due course.”