Hawthorn Football Club chief executive Justin Reeves has informed the club of his resignation, effective immediately.

In a statement on Wednesday, the club said Reeves' decision comes due to "the personal toll and the need to focus on his well-being in what has been a very difficult period for the club".

He confirmed his exit in a morning meeting with the Hawthorn board.

Reeves joined the Hawks in 2017, overseeing Alastair Clarkson's departure as coach, taken over by Sam Mitchell, and the club's internal cultural safety review which sparked the now eight-month investigations into alleged racist conduct by former coaching staff.

Hawthorn chief commercial officer Ash Klein has been appointed acting chief executive.

The club's board will form a sub-committee to find a permanent replacement.