Thomson is expected to take the position five years after leaving the club.

The former Brumbies general manager has spent the past two years at the Australian Sports Commission and has previously worked for Nike, the Australian Rugby Union and Football Federation Australia in various roles.

His likely appointment at the Brumbies comes at a time where the club is rebuilding its image following a year of off-field controversy and a drawn out legal battle with Jones.

One of Thomson's first jobs will be finding a new coach as the Brumbies prepare for Stephen Larkham to step aside at the end of 2017 to become a full-time Wallabies assistant coach.

Thomson's arrival will also help the Brumbies put a long-term plan in place with sponsors and stakeholders after ARU integrity unity manager Phil Thomson stepped in as an interim leader.

Phil Thomson's presence helped mend some strained relationships in the Canberra rugby community and it is hoped Michael Thomson's appointment will help the club take the next step.

Michael Thomson was reportedly one of two candidates being considered by the Brumbies board for the chief executive position.

Former Sydney Kings boss Simon Allatson was also believed to be in the running. But in the end the Brumbies settled on Thomson to help get the club on solid ground and rebuild their financial model.

Thomson's appointment comes as the Brumbies launch a new television commercial and the players return to pre-season training.

Larkham will appoint a new captain early next year and his impending departure means the Brumbies will have a new chief executive, coach and captain within less than 12 months.

Prop Ben Alexander said the Brumbies still had their sights set on chasing a title despite the departure of key players Stephen Moore, David Pocock, Matt Toomua and Joe Tomane.

"It wasn't just the leadership quality of the guys who left, but their playing ability as well," Alexander said.

"It's not up to one or two blokes, it's up to everyone to lift their game in that [leadership] area. We all have to live to the same standards.

"This time of year is always exciting. Regardless of how well or how poorly you go the year before, this is a new year with a clean slate and a fresh start.

"Our standards and goals as a group don't change, we've got to raise the bar even more because of the players [that have left]. We're really confident in the guys who have come in who are chomping at the bit."

Interim Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has formed an eight-man leadership group to guide the squad through pre-season training.

The Brumbies will play two pre-season matches as well as taking part in the inaugural global tens tournament in Brisbane two weeks before their first game of the Super Rugby season.

Lock Blake Enever said: "Pre-season is the part of the year where you can work on your individual skills.

"Personally I'm going to work on getting more game time and having that presence in the squad [of a third year player]. Anything I can do in pre-season to put me in the best spot, I will do."