Two weeks since inviting himself to tour Penrith’s new academy, former NRL player Corey Payne has landed the biggest office in the joint after being announced as the club’s new CEO.
Just three years after retiring following Canterbury’s 2012 grand final loss to Melbourne, Payne returns as not only the youngest CEO in the game, but also the heir apparent to Panthers supremo Phil Gould.
“We’re in a perfect position with the foundations in place for a strong commercially and corporate-minded CEO to come in and take this club to the new level. I can’t do that,” Gould said on Friday.
“Corey Payne can do that, and that’s why he’s our new CEO.”
Payne recalled how a chance email to view Penrith’s recently opened $22 million headquarters led to discussions on Gould’s search to replace now Wests Tigers boss Justin Pascoe after his departure late last year.
By Friday, the 31-year-old was handed the keys to the club.
“It’s the best training facility in the southern hemisphere and the best opportunity to attract, develop and retain talent in rugby league,” Payne said.
“I was excited by it and I asked Gus ‘who is going to be leading the show here?’ and ‘who is the CEO?’.
“He said they’re looking for one. That’s when I told him I’d be pretty interested in having a discussion about that to which Gus responded, ‘Be careful for what you wish for’.”
Payne played 131 games across eight seasons in the NRL with St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers and the Bulldogs.
Gould said he was more impressed with Payne’s post-retirement resume, which included a masters of commerce, and being the founder of a not-for-profit organisation to help kids pursue higher education.
Payne was also named NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2013 and, more recently, spent 10 months working with Woolworths.
“While (being a former player) may prove a benefit as a sporting administrator, it’s the least of what Corey brings to the table as far as credentials and qualifications for this role go,” Gould said.
“Corey’s performances away from the playing field are a real success story for the NRL in general.”
Payne’s appointment could be the final big decision for Gould, who recently said that finding a new CEO would complete his job at the club.
However, the 58-year-old was unwilling to speculate on his future at Penrith.
“It’s been always my goal that the next CEO of this organisation was seen as the boss of Panthers and perceived that way from the outside and within,” he said.
“My role is not really up for discussion today. It’s more about Corey’s appointment.”
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
John.Read his full CV,I'm not going into a he says argument, CEOs in the NRL hire and fire.They deal with players also and their managers. You lost it when you drew a comparison with the Parra board.Funny some involved had plenty of business experience and look what happened. I must be confusing you with someone else.
John
Guest
You give good attributes he would need if he were coaching or managing player welfare. He is the CEO, he is supposed to run the business end, attract investment and sponsors into the club and manage club's finances so that players can get paid on time. So far he has some education and 10 months experience in that field is that really enough experience? Would you hand over a multi-million dollar business to someone with that experience or would you find someone who has more experience in the corporate world? If he was recruited into a different role within the club and then groomed to be the CEO then yes, he would have some valid experience. But this appointment is similar the appointment of the Parramatta Board and look where that has gotten them. On a side note I have not idea where you got AFL from.
MAX
Guest
Corey is fortunate to have Brandy there to help and advise whenever required.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
John He has played in the NRL,studied whilst doing so.He thus knows the attitudes ,requirements and impact playing has on families. He has also received high commendation from many within the game,for his abilities.Perhaps as an AFL man ,you were unaware of his playing experience,alternatively you are just sniping for sniping's sake. He will at least have some empathy with players,that in itself is a starting point apart from his academic achievements.
Josh
Guest
It's more then Mark Zuckerberg had and he started one of the biggest businesses in the world. You hire someone who will do the best job not based on experience although given his not for profit ended with him being NSW young Australian of the year I'd say thats a great sign. Even when he was playing he was considered a future CEO
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
As a Panther's fan, I hope you are wrong but.......I hope they have a cunning plan to support him until he gets more experience.
John
Guest
-Masters in commerce -founder of not for profit organisation -10 months working with Woolworths If that is all the business experience required to take on the role of a CEO at an NRL club I think Penrith will be finding themselves in a bit of strife.