Sea Eagles announce two key staffing appointments

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today announced the appointment of two key staffing personnel to help strengthen the Club's off-field success.

Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly said that since officially joining the Sea Eagles last week, one of his top priorities was to ensure that there was an appropriate level of resourcing both within our Football program and also the business side of the organisation.

"It is obvious that we need to increase our human resource capability, and today I am very pleased to announce two new exceptional additions to compliment the wonderful staff that are already employed within the Club," Mr Kelly said.

Former Panthers Group Chief Financial Officer, Neil Bare, commences today as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Brad Davison who resigned last month.

"Neil joins the Sea Eagles with a fantastic CV of corporate and sports industry experience and accomplishments. Neil was a key figure in the significant financial turnaround at the Panthers Group between 2010 and 2012 where he was the Group Chief Financial Officer," Mr Kelly said.

"Neil also provides corporate advisory services beyond sport including the not-for-profit sector to Cure the Future Limited and Cell and Gene Limited," Mr Kelly added.

Mr Bare said he was excited about the breadth of challenges in the role including most notably the community component and was honoured to be working with one of the most successful Club's in the NRL.

"I love Rugby League and have a passion for its role beyond the field into our communities. With the consolidation in ownership under the Penn family and at a pivotal time in the club's history, the timing is right to join Joe and the Club." Mr Bare said.

"The plan is to successfully partner with stakeholders at all levels both within the Club and beyond, work tirelessly with staff toward improving the Club's financial position, develop Brookvale Oval into a world class sporting facility, supporting the retention and recruitment of key players to our roster all while ensuring the Sea Eagles remain successful both on and off the field well into the future."

The second staffing announcement is that of Paul Grzanka to the newly created position of General Manager, Marketing and Consumer.

Paul arrives at the Sea Eagles with an impeccable pedigree in sports administration experience that stretches back to 1999, when he joined the Swans as its Membership and Direct Marketing Manager. Paul has since held positions in similar roles at both the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Hunter Sports Group, and is currently the General Manager of Commercial at the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.

Sea Eagles boss Joe Kelly was full of praise for the achievements Mr Grzanka has produced so far in his career.

"I have witnessed first-hand, Paul's contribution to evolve Membership within the NRL during our time together at Souths. Paul's level of expertise extends into fan development and engagement, merchandise, match day, media and marketing," Mr Kelly said.

"I'm very much looking forward to him bringing the same level of success to the Sea Eagles in the years to come."

Mr Grzanka said while he doesn't start for a few months, he is looking forward to working and developing the Club's fan and consumer strategies over the coming years.

"The Sea Eagles are an excellent organisation, and I thank Joe for entrusting me with the opportunity to make this great club even better."

Paul is contracted to the Asian Cup 2015 until the end of February and will commence employment at the Club on the 2^nd of March 2015.

Mr Kelly reaffirmed the integral role that both new appointments will play in the coming months and years while also taking time to pay tribute to outgoing CFO, Bradley Davison.

"Both of these new executive recruits will support the Club in realising its true potential, and form part of the team that will redevelop Brookvale Oval and the Narrabeen training ground in to world class facilities," he said.

"Finally, all at the Club wish Brad Davison all the best in his return to Tasmania, and thank him for his contribution to the Club over the past two years".