Essendon have appointed another key figure in their new-look hierarchy, with former NAB boss Andrew Thorburn named chief executive of the AFL club.

Thorburn was NAB chief executive from 2014 to 2019, when he resigned after coming in for scathing criticism during the banking royal commission.

He fills the Bombers role vacated by Xavier Campbell, who resigned in August amid a period of off-field upheaval.

Campbell's exit came after a difference of opinion with new president Dave Barham over former coach Ben Rutten's sacking.

Barham ousted former president Paul Brasher in August and Rutten was dumped after a disappointing season in which the Bombers crashed to 15th on the ladder.

Thorburn is currently leading the review of Essendon's football operations and will take over as CEO on November 1.

The 57-year-old was also a member of the panel that selected Brad Scott as Rutten's replacement as coach, which was formalised last week.

In a letter to Bombers members on Monday, Barham described Thorburn's appointment as "a significant step forward for the club".

"In Andrew, we have secured a highly credentialed leader, with a proven track record in development and building the leadership capabilities of his people," Barham wrote.

"Andrew's focus will be on running Essendon like a club, with a renewed focus on our members and the core reason for which we exist - football.

"Our recent appointments of Brad Scott and today with Andrew, demonstrate our commitment to leadership and providing the right environment to ensure we achieve sustained success as a club."