Gold Coast chief executive Travis Auld appears set to join the AFL’s executive ranks after confirming he’s leaving the Suns at season’s end.

Auld has been linked to AFL House for months and is expected to be unveiled by league boss Gillon McLachlan within days, possibly as soon as Thursday morning.

Suns chairman John Witheriff confirmed Auld’s resignation in a media release on Thursday.

Witheriff said Auld leaves the club having played a key role in the Suns’ AFL establishment.

“He has been a great leader of our club and is well liked by his colleagues, our board, sponsors, and supporters,” Witheriff said.

“From a personal perspective, I have found Travis to be a man of great character. I’m proud to call him a friend and he goes with my very best wishes.”

Witheriff said the process to find a new CEO had been commenced with an outside employment agency to identify candidates for the role.

Auld’s No.2 Andrew Travis and Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft have been suggested as early suggestions for the role.

“Like any well governed organisation we have a properly considered succession plan for all senior roles in our club,” he said.

Auld’s departure is also unlikely to have a bearing on Brisbane’s search for a new CEO with the Lions reportedly on the verge of making an announcement.