Andrew Abdo has been confirmed as the next full-time chief executive of the NRL, after acting as the game’s interim boss since April.
Abdo had been favourite for the role since Todd Greenberg stepped down in April amid the fallout from the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Andrew has impressed the commission while he has been the interim CEO,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.
“We didn’t need to look far … Andrew will probably be the best CEO the NRL ever have.”
The game’s former chief financial officer since 2016, Abdo has been a part of the NRL’s set up since 2013.
The South African-born accountant worked in the marketing and commercial departments, as well as a key advisor to former CEO David Smith.
He rose to prominence over the summer, becoming Peter V’landys’ right-hand man and travelling with him to the USA for high-powered talks with Lachlan Murdoch and global streaming companies.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Commission and all of our shareholders on creating a new era for rugby league where we think differently,” Abdo said.
“We must stabilise, renovate and grow. In the short term we need to reset our cost base and ensure we retain our revenues.
“Then we must think innovatively about enhancing our game and ultimately seeking long-term growth.”
Tony
Roar Guru
Brilliant!
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
BB, coat hangered??
Tony
Roar Guru
When we were called for dinner Nicko. We never found it to dark to play, however running into the Hills Hoist was always a risk.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
BB, at dinner time or when it was getting too dark to see!
Big Daddy
Guest
Another appointment that has slipped under the radar is Troy Grant being appointed to the RLIF , another of V'Landys go to boys being appointed to a plum job.
Tony
Roar Guru
That rule worked in the backyard
Big Daddy
Guest
:thumbup: There probably is. Also it coincides with Weeks getting the flick. But Annesely is still there, still sticking like s##t to a blanket.
Tony
Roar Guru
Hopefully there isn't a marketing person running the finances
Pickett
Roar Rookie
I think it's a good appointment. Well done Vlandys. Go for it Abdo.
Landcruiser79
Guest
Both , as well as phuucking hopeless.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Big Daddy Wasn't David Smith an Accountant/Banker, difference being, he knew as much about rugby league prior to his gig, as Putin.The politics that is rugby league is all encompassing. Greenberg could have been one decent CEO,but was too much wanting to be everyone's man.Playing favourites and being too close to the clubs, is fraught with peril.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
"An easy one".As the saying goes tell that to the Spartans.This season for all codes, in terms of broadcasting, fans,memebrship,sponsorship has been the most challenging on record. Er no Paul ,Abdo was responsible for the increase in NRL non broadcasting revenue, and was deeply involved in media negotiations. I agree with your end of season caper comments.Some of these young guys despite all the advice just don't get it, and think it's party time and anything goes.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Abdo in fact greatly increased the code's non broadcast revenue spruce. He's been working with V'Landys for some time, involved in Operation Apollo which got the code up and running on 28th May, and with V'Landys on renegotiating the old Tv deals and the new Foxtel deal. Think his credentials at the coal face stand up spruce.The Commission not just V'Landys make them decision in the end.Especially with teh pandemic rubbish that has been thrown at us.Interesting other codes here, have no issues with in house promos.
Big Daddy
Guest
Geez, an accountant in marketing. That really gets my juices flowing.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I've picked up some negativity amongst the comments here about Abdo. Give the bloke a go before casting doubt. He worked under Dave Smith and Greenberg so he has learnt first hand of what NOT to do in the top job. I think V'Landys should have kept his comments private in saying Abdo could be the best CEO of all time. Let his performance determine if that happens.
Nick
Roar Guru
Or Kiwi?
Nick
Roar Guru
Gonna say why, or is it cause she's a woman?
Nick
Roar Guru
*be better than
andrew
Roar Rookie
I'm prepared to give Abdo a go, at least he's not aligned to any clubs,just hopes he doesn't let the clubs rule the roost. The less said about Greenberg and Beattie the better.
Nick
Roar Guru
Absolutely not sarcastic with it. I'm genuinely mystified that they went internal considering the success of the last internal appointment, and the fact this internal appointment was part of the rot of the old. There is no excuse why they couldn't conduct a global hunt even in a pandemic.