TFH Gold Coast Titans Chief Executive Officer, Graham Annesley, today announced he will be leaving the Titans in October to return to the NRL administration as 'Head of Football – Elite Programs', overseeing all operational aspects of the Telstra Premiership and other elite programs.
During his time as CEO, Annesley has steered the Titans through both challenging and rewarding times as the club rebuilt under NRL ownership, and more recently during the transition back to private ownership under the Kelly and Frizelle families.
"The last 5 years have been some of the most challenging, yet satisfying times of my professional career," Annesley said today.
"While the challenges have been well documented, I take a great deal of pride in the current health of the club both on and off the field.
"The club is now well positioned to compete with the very best in the NRL in the years ahead. We have amazingly committed owners, model independent corporate governance, talented and dedicated staff and executive team, first-class high-performance facilities, responsible and sustainable financial management, a roster full of experience and youthful potential, and a Head Coach who has all the required attributes to guide the team to success in 2019 and beyond.
"The opportunity to once again contribute across the entire game as part of the NRL administration arose unexpectedly a few weeks ago. My decision to accept the new role has not been easy as I genuinely believe this club is on the cusp of great success. However, after agonising over the decision with my wife, club owners Darryl Kelly and Rebecca Frizelle, and Executive Chairman Dennis Watt, I ultimately decided the time was right to pass the Titans baton on as the club continues to pursue its enormous potential.
"I want to thank everyone associated with the Titans for the amazing opportunity and privilege afforded to me during my time as CEO. From past and present owners, to the Board, my executive team and staff, players and football personnel, sponsors, corporate partners, members and supporters, I couldn't have asked for more support and assistance. I am going to miss everyone enormously," Annesley concluded.
Executive Chairman Dennis Watt, on behalf of club owners Brett and Rebecca Frizelle and Darryl and Joanne Kelly; and the Titans Board said:
"Graham has been a strong and courageous leader in his five years as CEO, helping ensure the survival of the club in the very first instance and then driving the process to lay strong foundations for future sustainable success.
"He leaves us in great shape and with wife Erica will be really missed - both professionally and personally - not just in the club but throughout the Gold Coast community.
Watt said the club was "extraordinarily grateful for Graham's relentless drive to ensure that the club and the NRL maintained a strong and growing presence in the rugby league heartland of Gold Coast and in northern New South Wales.
"Graham leaves here as one of the most respected figures in the game. His legacy will be the on-going success of this club. We are very confident Graham will continue to serve and advance the game at the highest levels in his new role."
Graham will remain in his role as CEO over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition before commencing with the NRL in November.
