The Dragons have unveiled a significant overhaul of their executive leadership team, with several key appointments aimed at steering the club towards future success. Ben Creagh, a revered figure in the club’s history, will step down from the board to assume the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Joining him are Ryan Deluca as Chief Financial Officer, Sam Attrill as Chief Revenue Officer, Daniela Armone promoted to Chief of Staff, and Adam Hodge, who will soon take on the role of Chief Customer Officer.
These strategic appointments are part of a broader vision set by the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Tim Watsford, to rejuvenate the club’s leadership and operational strategies. Creagh’s transition into club management follows his impactful tenure on both the St George Illawarra and St George District Boards.
Creagh’s New Role and Responsibilities
In his capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Creagh will oversee the comprehensive management of football operations, spearhead the administration of elite facilities, including the soon-to-be-completed Bruce Gordon Centre, and enhance community and stakeholder engagement efforts.
“Ben is one of the club’s greats, our second most-capped player, a premiership winner, former captain and life member,” CEO Tim Watsford remarked. “His deep passion for the Dragons, football credentials, and his leadership experience will be invaluable in ensuring continuous improvement across all areas of football and club operations.”
Creagh’s appointment is a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to the Dragons, where his leadership on and off the field has been widely recognized and celebrated.
New Faces in the Executive Team
Ryan Deluca brings a wealth of financial expertise to his new role as Chief Financial Officer. His nearly nine-year tenure with the NRL, where he held senior roles in financial analysis and audit, positions him well to manage the club’s financial strategies. Deluca’s experience with Deloitte further bolsters his credentials.
Sam Attrill, the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer, has a proven track record in driving commercial success across various sports, including the AFL and NBL. His experience in rugby league and brand development is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the Dragons’ commercial operations.
Adam Hodge, set to commence as Chief Customer Officer later this month, brings extensive experience in sports marketing and fan engagement. His previous leadership roles at Gemba and Octagon underscore his capability to elevate the Dragons’ marketing and strategic endeavors.
Strengthening Internal Processes
Daniela Armone’s promotion to Chief of Staff signifies a strategic move to strengthen the club’s internal processes. Her focus will be on enhancing governance, compliance, policy, and human resources, ensuring that the club operates at peak efficiency.
CEO Tim Watsford expressed confidence in the newly assembled team: “With Ben, Adam, Ryan, Sam, and Daniela now in place, we have a strong and capable executive team ready to deliver both on and off the field.”
“This marks the beginning of our commitment to continuous improvement and sustainable success across every facet of the club’s operations. With a refreshed executive team, our men’s and women’s coaching staff, together with recruitment personnel locked in, I’m confident we have the right people in the right roles to drive success for the Red V,” Watsford added.
Looking Ahead
The restructuring of the executive team is a pivotal step in the Dragons’ strategy to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. As the club gears up for the upcoming season, the new leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and drive the team towards achieving their competitive and organizational goals.
The appointments mark a new era for the Dragons, with a focus on building a resilient and dynamic club that not only excels on the field but also strengthens its community ties and operational capabilities. As these leaders take on their new roles, the Dragons are poised to embark on a path of sustained growth and success.
