Melbourne Storm’s Strategy and Communications Director, Dave Donaghy, will be the Club’s next Chief Executive Officer, Chairman Bart Campbell has announced.
Donaghy, 32, emerged as the successful candidate from an outstanding field of applicants, following a thorough recruitment process.
After switching from a career in media to sports administration almost seven years ago, Donaghy has worked across a number of areas within professional sports organisations, from strategy to list management and salary cap, football operations, commercial operations, government, broadcasters and media.
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He is the chair of Storm’s list and salary cap committees and has implemented a number of business strategies that will deliver long-term benefit to the Club.
Donaghy, who holds degrees in political science and journalism from the University of Queensland, will take over from Mark Evans on July 1.
Evans announced in April that he would be returning to the United Kingdom due to family reasons after two years in the role.
Campbell said Donaghy proved to be the standout candidate during the Club’s search for a new CEO.
“After our process to find the best candidate for the role, Dave emerged as the best choice as CEO,” Campbell said.
“Dave’s values, vision for the Club and experience representing challenger sports in other markets, made him the unanimous choice. His strong relationships with the leaders of our football department, the NRL, government and broadcasters, were also significant factors."
“Storm has a successful history of developing people and we’ll ensure Dave is given every opportunity to make our Club even better.
“We always back our people to succeed and we have every confidence in Dave’s ability as a leader.”
Donaghy said: “It goes without saying it’s a significant honour, I’m thrilled, excited and also humbled to be appointed CEO of Melbourne Storm.
“It’s a strong Club where outstanding people do amazing things every day.
“In only 17 years, our Club has forged a remarkable history amidst the backdrop of a strong culture, which is something we can all be proud of.
“It’s exciting knowing we have an opportunity to make it even stronger.
“I’ve got great admiration for our football that continues to perform under the leadership of Craig Bellamy, Frank Ponissi and Cameron Smith.