New ARLC CEO Discussion

[NSW of Origin]

Does it appear that instead of overseeing governance and supporting the development of strategy, this commission actually considers itself as THE executive management?? This seems to be the case from what I've been reading out of both Fairfax and News Ltd with commissioners seemingly having large roles in negotiations in the sale of the broadcasts rights assets and other major issues.

There's an argument that they always had a lack of faith in Gallop and were hamstrung by News Ltds insistence that he had to be the inaugural CEO for the ARLC to go ahead, but the more involved that the 8 commissioners get into making the 'executive' decisions concerning both the direction and implementing of the game's strategy, the harder it will be for them to pull back in future, IMO.

The board must provide an oversight function for the executive. So, if the board are performing the roles of executives, then who are overseeing them?

Interesting how all this is going to turn out, and whether the new CEO will appreciate having to be told to make certain decisions rather than making them himself. The ARLC will be better off hiring a middle manager to follow their orders if they are going to have such a massive input in the implementation of strategy, and as described above, that will just be dysfunctional anyway.

The board must appoint a CEO, and he should then have the freedom to assemble his executive team to plan, choose and implement strategy with the support of the commission, not just be a figurehead for their own decisions. T

The CEO must be on the commission as well.

 

[Sunshine Coast Tiger]

From inside the game I would say David Trodden.

Highly successful lawyer, excellent chairman of WT when his opportunity comes around and a figure respected by all other club chairman

Would be a good choice, speaks well, smart and fair man that loves the game with a passion.

I still like Warren Wilison for the job but would also be very happy with David Trodden.

 

[docbrown]

Does it appear that instead of overseeing governance and supporting the development of strategy, this commission actually considers itself as THE executive management??

There is actually a precedent for the TV rights case as a subcommittee of AFL board members AND exec staff are usually involved in negotiations before the CEO steps in.

I'd suggest however that what we're hearing is just the reporters angle - Wayne Pearce is going here, Ian Elliott is going there etc - it seems to me that they're getting proactive and actually working alongside their executive counterparts.

That's a good thing.

And at the end of the day, the performance of the execs reflect their own performance, so they still have to get it right.

The concept of what board should and should not do is merely at the definition of the stakeholders.

 

[Perth Red]

With the dearth of leadership and skill in the CEO and possible exec management team at the moment it is not surprising they have felt the need to be more hands on. Maybe when they have confidence in the staff they will loosen the reigns.

 

[NSW of Origin]

There is actually a precedent for the TV rights case as a subcommittee of AFL board members AND exec staff are usually involved in negotiations before the CEO steps in.

I'd suggest however that what we're hearing is just the reporters angle - Wayne Pearce is going here, Ian Elliott is going there etc - it seems to me that they're getting proactive and actually working alongside their executive counterparts.

That's a good thing.

And at the end of the day, the performance of the execs reflect their own performance, so they still have to get it right.

The concept of what board should and should not do is merely at the definition of the stakeholders.

Sure, but wouldn't you say they are well into the swing of negotiations now?

The rights sale will be determined predominantly by the amount they're sold for, and the media will absolutely come down on this if it's not in the billion $$$ region.

But there will be probable changes to the way NRL game is telecast with increased ads in games to really achieve this. There will probably be new broadcast time slots for broadcasters, and the use of digital channels on FTA to improve penetration into non-NRL markets. we need associated add-on programs on FTA which give the game more credibility than C9s current slate of TFS and it's personalities. there has to be a overall strategy the organisation has to work towards to achieve it's objectives both as a competition administrator, as well as a governing body to grow the game nationally in it's existing grassroots as well as in the new areas.

I can only think that so far, the board has been primarily devising this on their own, and Gallop was towing along following orders rather than actually leading the organisation. the new executive and his team can't be ordered to run things past the board at every decision to ensure that their vision is achieved. the new executive needs to have a large input in the direction and the way strategy is to be implemented, not just follow orders. it would kind of make the term 'executive decision' redundant at the ARLC. he will already be inheriting a strategy, at least, we hope there is one floating around considering the way the game is broadcast will have a huge bearing on it's implementation and success.

To me, it seems like 8 very ambitious people have come together onto this board at the one time wanting to ensure they all make their mark. they all need to learn the business, but primarily, they need to provide oversight and support to the exec, not be the executive management.

it's all my opinion, but it's the gist I'm getting out of all of this.

 

[docbrown]

Sure, but wouldn't you say they are well into the swing of negotiations now?

The rights sale will be determined predominantly by the amount they're sold for, and the media will absolutely come down on this if it's not in the billion $$$ region.

There was a reasonably smooth transition between the two sub committees. The new subcommittee - including both board & exec members - have appointed their own negotiators, reviewed all the strategy material and scenarios.

Believe me the final result - both money and quality - will fall back directly to the sub committee's shoulders. If its a good deal, they should take the praise. If it's a dud, well then, another shake up may be required.

Obviously people are going to make comparisons to the AFL's deal no matter what but those people are looking at it with blinders on. Anything over $800 million is positive. Anything over $1 Billion or anything that expands coverage, promotion and quality is fantastic.

Whatever they get though, no doubt some people will complain and/or ridicule it still.

I can only think that so far, the board has been primarily devising this on their own,

The hard numbers and scenarios were put together by LEK from as far back as 2 years ago now. Ask yourself who got them involved...

it would kind of make the term 'executive decision' redundant at the ARLC.

See again, I think you're reading the papers and just assuming that what's happening at the moment is how it will always be.

Yes, they've been looking over shoulders, asking questions and formulating opinions - that's their job. And yes they're involved in the broadcast negotiations - once more, that's not a new precedent. And yes, they fired a CEO - that's also their job.

To be honest I think you're jumping at shadows at the moment. When Grant declares himself "Supreme Dictator of Rugby League" maybe then it's something to get worked up about.

 

[PaddyBoy]

Todd Greenberg just tweeted that there is plenty more to do with the Bulldogs.

 

[NSW of Origin]

Believe me the final result - both money and quality - will fall back directly to the sub committee's shoulders. If its a good deal, they should take the praise. If it's a dud, well then, another shake up may be required.

Obviously people are going to make comparisons to the AFL's deal no matter what but those people are looking at it with blinders on. Anything over $800 million is positive. Anything over $1 Billion or anything that expands coverage, promotion and quality is fantastic.

i'm glad someone else is considering it in this context.

See again, I think you're reading the papers and just assuming that what's happening at the moment is how it will always be.

Yes, they've been looking over shoulders, asking questions and formulating opinions - that's their job. And yes they're involved in the broadcast negotiations - once more, that's not a new precedent. And yes, they fired a CEO - that's also their job.

To be honest I think you're jumping at shadows at the moment. When Grant declares himself "Supreme Dictator of Rugby League" maybe then it's something to get worked up about.

i'm not simply focusing on Grant. There are 7 other board members who have a responsibility, not just the chairman. Sure, the chairman has special responsibilities which are separate from the the other directors, but this alone does not mean a chairman will be the dominant figure on any board. personality and dynamics within the board has more of an influence than title.

I understand that this board is still in the process of learning about the business. None of them have had anything to do with rugby league at this level (hence their perceived 'independence'), which will involve some dirty work initially in analysing the carry over processes, current business agreements, commercial alliances, lower tier and grassroots development, directly working with the executive to evaluate their skills and attributes, etc, rather than the more common roles of oversight and strategic support/review and CEO appointment of an on-going board.

as it is a board with completely new members without a political or business connection to the game before their appointments, and who individually have possibly had no great working relationship in the past, it isn't wrong to believe that each member will be advancing their interests, attempt to gain a certain amount of influential knowledge and control, develop alliances within the board and other influential stakeholders, etc to maintain their longevity. certain dynamics come into play from ambitious individuals within uni groups who havent worked together before. I can imagine the inter-relationships in such a setting with so much more at stake. the appointment of this board is at an extreme of board appointments and isn't without it's problems, particularly for a new public company structure with such a high profile.

It isn't about what I may or may not have read, and to be honest it hasn't been widely because each journo laces each piece with their own opinion, as I have. Personally, I just think the big jizzfest about Gallop getting the chop is a bit over the top. It was a decision to remove the big remaining perceived non-independent influence from decision-making in the game. it will still be a while until real beneficial outcomes from the new company are achieved though, and it will require the commissioners to eventually make the call to step back and allow the executive who will be paid more than any of them to lead the the game into the new era.

 

[Knownothing]

To me, it seems like 8 very ambitious people have come together onto this board at the one time wanting to ensure they all make their mark. they all need to learn the business, but primarily, they need to provide oversight and support to the exec, not be the executive management.

it's all my opinion, but it's the gist I'm getting out of all of this.

Most of them have already made their mark, that is why they are where they are. Half of them are geriatrics, Pemberton is over 70. Ambition is for the young and energetic, at the executive level. Directors, or commissioners, should really not have personal ambitions, IMHO.

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...gues-the-top-job/story-fnca0von-1226394819761

Is this an interview for rugby league's the top job?

by: Brent Read
From: The Australian
June 14, 2012 12:00AM

A FULL house, a sea of blue and a beaming chief executive: ANZ Stadium was filled to the brim last night for the second State of Origin game and among the throng was the stadium's chief executive Daryl Kerry, like a proud father watching his son shine on one of sport's biggest stages.

As the ARL's eight commissioners weigh up who should replace David Gallop as the game's chief executive, last night demonstrated why Kerry should be regarded as one of the major contenders - and gave the commission food for thought.

Over the past 14 years, no one has done more than Kerry to make ANZ Stadium the centre of Sydney's sporting universe. Origin only tells part of the story. Kerry has made his mark on all manner of clubs and sports.

He was a major player in the decision by Souths and Canterbury to move their games to the Olympic venue. He convinced the Swans to transfer games to the ground. He snatched cricket's Big Bash. The Australian Rugby Union takes its biggest games to ANZ Stadium.

He has gone from buying business to cherry-picking the best sports. Along the way, he was won a reputation as a canny businessman and tough negotiator, who is well respected by NRL clubs and officials. Among their numbers is Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg, a man who was mentored by Kerry and now ranks among his potential competitors for the position of ARL Commission chief executive.

He also played a major role in the career of former Manly chief executive Grant Mayer, now with the Greater Western Sydney AFL club. He continues to forge those bonds as the clubs develop a stadiums policy for the game. ANZ will be central to those negotiations.

Those who know Kerry best say he is genuine, hard-working, politically astute and exceptionally intelligent. He knows rugby league, but crucially, he is also well versed in the machinations of the AFL through the deals he has cut with that sport.

He has connections on the commission, as well. During the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Kerry operated the stadium on behalf of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. The chairman of SOCOG? ARL Commissioner Gary Pemberton.

The commission has vowed to search both here and abroad for its next leader. Names such as Panthers group chief executive Warren Wilson and his Racing NSW counterpart Peter V'landys have been prominent to this point. It might take as long as three months for the commissioners to find the right man. Last night demonstrated that the answer might be closer than they thought.

 

[El Diablo]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...-chief-executive/story-e6frfgh6-1226413204194

Jim Doyle in line to replace David Gallop as NRL chief executive

Phil Rothfield
The Sunday Telegraph
July 01, 2012 12:00AM

THE long-awaited list of candidates to replace David Gallop as NRL chief executive - including a dark horse from New Zealand - will be handed to the independent commission this week.

The Sunday Telegraph understands highly rated NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle has emerged a serious contender and has the support of commission chairman John Grant after they met behind closed doors last week.

Recruitment firm Spencer Stuart will hand the names over to Catherine Harris, who is chairing a sub-committee that includes commissioners Grant, Wayne Pearce and Chris Sarra. Racing boss Peter V'Landys, Penrith supremo Warren Wilson and ANZ Stadium chief executive Darryl Kerry are expected to be included for one of sport's most sought-after jobs that comes with a salary package of $750,000-a-year.

Former federal minister for sport Mark Arbib and Bulldogs boss Todd Greenberg will be there, too.

The sub-committee will reduce the list of names to six people and they will then be asked to attend formal interviews with the commission.

It will then be reduced to two for the final interviews.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Doyle spent more than an hour with Grant last week in a private meeting at NRL headquarters. Both deny the chief executive's job was discussed, claiming it was more a chat to talk about the international selection guidelines and the problems of Kiwis being picked in Origin.

However, senior NRL staff have revealed how highly Grant regards the New Zealand league boss.

Like Grant, he has a long background in the technology sector and was chief executive of Navman for a decade.

In 2011, Doyle won a national leadership award for business management in New Zealand.

The 50-year-old is a Scotland-born Aucklander who become a New Zealand citizen after settling there with his family in 1994.

"It's true I had a meeting with John Grant," Doyle told The Sunday Telegraph, "but David Gallop's job wasn't even mentioned."

Asked if he would be interested, Doyle said: "I have no idea. I haven't even thought about it."

Grant admitted he had respect for Doyle but said he was surprised his name had been mentioned.

"Jim was in Sydney to meet with the NRL staff over other issues," Grant said. "I took the opportunity to catch up with him over the international selection criteria."

With the Spencer Stuart list of candidates to be finalised any day, the independent commission now hopes to be in a position to announce a replacement for Gallop well before the semi-finals.

As much as it is important to get the right person for the job and not rush into making an appointment, a certain amount of urgency is required as negotiations get to the serious stage for the next television broadcasting deal.

Some of the commissioners are pushing to have the appointment as Gallop's replacement made before August 1.

THE SIX CONTENDERS

JIM DOYLE

Spent 10 years as CEO of Navman. Currently CEO of the NZ Rugby League. A favourite of commission chairman John Grant.

MARK ARBIB

Former Labor powerbroker and federal minister for sport. On the boards of Swimming Australia and Sydney FC. A class operator.

PETER V’LANDYS

The boss of Racing NSW. Won a court battle against bookmakers. Well connected and respected in government and business.

DARRYL KERRY

The chief executive of ANZ Stadium who has terrific entrepreneurial skills. A quiet achiever who is a top sporting administrator.

WARREN WILSON

The former TAB boss who is now in charge of the Penrith Panthers. Has lifted trade by 52 percent at the Panthers since taking the helm.

TODD GREENBERG

Far and away the sharpest operator of all the NRL club CEO’s. Has done a wonderful job to rebuild the Bulldogs and sign Des Hasler.

 

[Stagger Lee]

Quote from DT
"TODD GREENBERG
Far and away the sharpest operator of all the NRL club CEO’s. Has done a wonderful job to rebuild the Bulldogs and sign Des Hasler"



LOL - How about Peter Doust then? He rebuilt Kogarah and Wollongong and managed to get Wayne bennet and was head of the most successful team in Rugby league history.

fair dinkum - if they choose TODD GREENBERG i'll never drink crown larger again

 

[Patorick]

MARK ARBIB

Former Labor powerbroker and federal minister for sport. On the boards of Swimming Australia and Sydney FC. A class operator.

:crazy:

 

[Perth Red]

I hope its not Doyle, we need him in NZ continuing to rebuild the NZRL.

 

[Patorick]

I hope it's Greenberg, we don't need him in Canterbury rebuilding the Bulldogs.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

What did Greenberg do before the Dogs?

 

[herbert henry1908]

What did Greenberg do before the Dogs?

Worked at ANZ stadium , can't remember what role though.

 

[Brutus]

What did Greenberg do before the Dogs?

Played first grade cricket.

 

[El Diablo]

be funny if Greenbrerg got the job and then reminded Demetriou of this http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/andrew-demetriou-in-wrong-trough/story-e6frfgh6-1225752373074

 

[Mr Fourex]

750K a year .......fmd

that's a joke !!