The National Rugby League (NRL) will not involve itself in the selection process for the next chief executive officer of the Perth Bears, despite the club currently being without a CEO just weeks before its inaugural training session.
The Perth-based club has faced significant leadership challenges since its establishment, with CEO Anthony De Ceglie resigning last Friday amid mounting pressure and a loss of support from the club’s board. De Ceglie, who had been given an initial three-month period to prove his capability, ultimately stepped down as his position became unsustainable. Insiders revealed that his departure had been anticipated days earlier but was delayed briefly in hopes of resolution.
In the interim, Gareth Holmes, the club’s head of football and former CEO of North Sydney for five seasons, has assumed the role of acting CEO. Holmes is reportedly well-regarded both within the Bears’ board, where his North Sydney connections have garnered support, and among NRL officials. There is potential for Holmes to be appointed permanently to the role.
Although the NRL originally appointed De Ceglie when the club was first established, the league’s administration will now defer the decision for the new CEO to the Bears’ board, in accordance with good corporate governance practices. Peter V’landys, executive chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), emphasized that following the initial appointment, the club should operate autonomously in selecting its own leadership.
“That’s a decision for the board. We are going to let the board decide those positions,” V’landys stated. He added that the foundations initially laid by De Ceglie were solid, even though the club has experienced turbulence in its leadership.
Earlier this year, Perth Bears also saw the departure of their former head of football, David Sharpe, adding to the off-field instability as the club prepares for its competitive debut. The club now faces the challenge of solidifying its leadership structure on the eve of its first season.