Harley replaces club stalwart Dean Moore, who has vacated the role after five years.

Since retiring in 2009, Harley has been part of Channel Seven's football coverage in the role of special comments and has also been involved with AFL NSW/ACT where he was a one-time general manager.

On Tuesday night, Harley was named the best TV special comments person at the 2014 Australian Football Media Association awards.

Sydney CEO Andrew Ireland said Harley was an exciting appointment for the club.

"Tom is a highly regarded person who comes to us with great football experience," Ireland said.

"He was part of a great club in Geelong throughout a very successful era and was one of the most respected leaders in the game.

"We have worked closely together while he was at AFL NSW/ACT and I think he is a great appointment to what is a very challenging role.

"Through his role with AFL NSW/ACT, Tom has played a leading role in the development of the code here in Sydney."

Harley played 198 games for Geelong and Port Adelaide over 12 seasons.

Moore, who has been involved with the Swans since the late 1970s, will work on upcoming major projects at the club including a review and upgrade of the club's facilities.