ARL Commission chairman John Grant too busy for CEO job
by: Brent Read
From: The Australian
June 08, 2012 12:00AM
ARL Commission chairman John Grant confirmed last night the search for a new chief executive to replace David Gallop had already begun - before dismissing suggestions he would seek to fill the role or the equally influential position of executive chairman.
The commission has hired Spencer Stuart - the headhunting firm that identified the game's inaugural eight commisisoners, including Grant - to search nationally and internationally for a new figurehead.
Several names have already been prominent in discussions, most notably Panthers Group chief executive Warren Wilson, Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys, Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys and his Canterbury counterpart Todd Greenberg.
Another mooted candidate, former federal sports minister Mark Arbib, ruled himself out yesterday, although he could still field an approach from Spencer Stuart.
One thing is clear - Grant will not be putting himself forward. The former Australia back, who made millions in the information technology industry through his involvement with company Data#3, has been mentioned as a prospective chief executive in the days since Gallop was shown the door.
But he insisted he had enough to do as he juggled his business interests with the continuing role as commission chairman.
"The position of chief executive officer is clearly a fundamentally important role for the game, and we need to arrive at the right decision," Grant said.
"Inevitably there is a lot of speculation about the position and about the events of this week. That is entirely understandable. Often that speculation can move ahead of the facts, and this certainly has been the case in relation to any suggestion that I am interested in, or will make myself available for, either the CEO role or for a role as executive chairman.
"The position of chair of the ARLC is one I accepted after much deliberation, mindful of the job ahead and the demands of my other business interests. It is a great honour to serve the game I played, and my sole focus remains delivering on the trust invested in forming the ARLC.
"This inaugural commission was, for all eight commissioners, always going to involve considerable time in the formative stage as we assessed the business and developed a productive partnership with our executive team.
"We have no desire to do more than make the board of the commission the most effective governance and strategic vehicle it can be, so that the game is continually positioned to grow its success."
Much as they did in the search for the inaugural eight commissioners, Spencer Stuart will liaise with NRL clubs, the Queensland and NSW rugby leagues, the current administration and other key stakeholders in finalising what the game requires from its new chief executive.
Until then, Shane Mattiske will continue to act in the role.
Brent Read ‏@brentread_7
