Rugby League Australia: Titans Gold Coast Appoints Annesley as New CEO
Graham Annesley was named on Wednesday as Titans Gold Coast chief executive officer.
Annesley has an impressive track record of being a sports administrator for 20 years. He also immersed himself in the political arena when he was appointed as Minister for Sports and Recreation in New South Wales in 2011.
He was a former COO of the National Rugby League (NRL) who is known to love the sport.
These were the some of the main considerations why Titans Chairman Darryl Kelly selected him.
"Graham has an outstanding reputation within the game and it's extremely significant that an individual with such a reputation for professionalism and integrity has elected to join the club as our new CEO,'' Kelly told titans.com.au.
"We considered a number of strong candidates for the position and we are fortunate to have someone of Graham's calibre joining the club.
"We have gone through an extensive process of due diligence in making this appointment and we believe Graham is the best person to help take this club into the future.''
Annesley excitingly sees the appointment as a fresh challenge and is determined to guide the Club to greater heights.
"In my former role at the NRL, I worked closely with the Titans bid team prior to the Club's admission to the NRL in 2007,'' said Annesley.
"I have always believed the Titans have an incredibly bright and exciting future. The Club has the potential to consistently rank among the leading and most recognisable brands in the country - sporting or commercial."
"With the potential to build on the sound foundations that have been established over the past seven years, I have no doubt the best is yet to come and I'm excited about what lies ahead.''
Annesley came through the ranks as his first association with the league was that of a referee, having a stellar career with the whistle officiating at least 250 first grade matches that includes appearances in Test, Finals, and State of Origin Matches.
One of his biggest contribution in the NRL was the introduction of the video referee system.
He boasts of holding numerous executive positions both in the public and private sectors.