Ken Edwards appointed Eels CEO

by NRL

Following the appointment of former NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart the Pirtek Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce Ken Edwards will join the Club in the new role of Chief Executive Officer of the Football Club.

One of the country's pre-eminent sports administrators, Edwards' appointment follows a structural review of the Eels Football Club.

The former Managing Director and CEO of the Stadium Australia Group, and more recently Executive Chairman of the Hunter Sports Group, Edwards will report directly to the Eels Board of Directors.

Eels Group CEO Bob Bentley will continue to oversee the Parramatta Leagues Club's continued financial sustainability and development of Eels Group assets.

"The appointment of Ken Edwards is a significant coup for the Club," Eels Chairman Roy Spagnolo said.

"Under Ken the Football Club will aim to aggressively grow Eels memberships and sponsorship while Ricky works on returning the NRL team to Premiership challengers.

"The Leagues Club's position of strength is in no small part thanks to the guidance of Bob Bentley, who has done an outstanding job in the dual role this year."

Bentley said Edwards' appointment would prove a key factor in the Club's ongoing success on and off the field.

"The Eels are at the epicentre of one of the fastest growing populations and economies in Australia. We're in the middle of the 6th largest CBD in the country, sitting within a Greater Western Sydney population of more than 2 million people.

"We aim to become an even bigger part of this community and tonight's announcement is another step in that process.

"It is without doubt one of the most exciting times in the Club's history to be an Eels supporter."

A key outcome of the structural review will see a greater emphasis on accountability in the Eels Football Department, including the NRL, NYC and Academy squads, as well as the District Junior Rugby League.

Edwards will begin his tenure immediately.

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