Garlick's departure completes a tough few months for the club, after coach Brendan McCartney was sacked and captain Ryan Griffen left the club to join Greater Western Sydney.

Garlick has overseen the development of the Whitten Oval facility since he was appointed in 2011 under former president David Smorgon. But it's believed there were some issues over whether he was the right man to help the club grow over the next decade.

Garlick also played 137 matches for the Dogs and 44 for the Swans.

He said it had been a privilege to serve the club as a player, board member, manager and CEO.

Garlick said he felt the time was right to resign and start a "new chapter" in his life.

"I believe it's in the best interests of the club, my family and myself at this time given the recent appointment of a new coach, a stable board in place and a new five-year strategic plan for the club ready to be launched," he said in a statement on Monday.

"I'm proud of all I have accomplished here at Western Bulldogs during my tenure as the chief executive."

More to come.