Dockers champion to take over as Sydney Swans boss
Pavlich will take over at the end of this season, when Harley departs to take the role of AFL chief operating officer.
An Australian Football Hall of Fame member, Pavlich played 353 games and kicked 700 goals for the Dockers over a career spanning 17 seasons.
The 43-year-old, who retired in 2016, has since embarked on a successful media career as a commentator and news reader.
Pavlich will relocate to Sydney from Perth with his wife and their three children.
"The Sydney Swans is a highly successful, well respected and well managed football club," Pavlich said.
"It is a big decision to uproot the family and bring them across the country to Sydney, but I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to lead this great and highly professional club.
"I'm looking forward to working with the clubs leaders and playing groups to continue the success of this iconic club over the coming years."
He had previously been linked to the role of AFL Players Association chief executive, after Paul Marsh departed in May.
Pavlich had served as AFLPA president during his playing days.
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham was "delighted" to appoint Pavlich as chief executive, lauding his wealth of football experience as a player and administrator.
"Together with his business pursuits in the sports and entertainment industry, Matthew has stayed involved in the game since his retirement from playing in 2016 and is widely respected across the industry," Pridham said.
"We believe he will fit in well with the Sydney Swans culture and bring his own unique insights and perspectives that will benefit the club moving forward."
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