Manly have another CEO exit club’s revolving door
Scott Bailey |
Manly will begin a search for their seventh CEO in just over 11 years, after Tony Mestrov officially announced he would be the latest boss to exit the Sea Eagles’ head office.
Mestrov admitted on Tuesday he had “mixed feelings” about his looming departure, which Manly officials said comes ahead of his “next career announcement”.
Sea Eagles CEO since 2022, Mestrov has overseen a dramatic period at the club, headlined by Daly Cherry-Evans’ high-profile exit this year.
Mestrov also sacked club legend Des Hasler as coach just months into his tenure, while also winning a power battle with the Fulton family at the club.
Negotiations with star fullback Tom Trbojevic also entered the public domain this year before they were completed last week.
Mestrov has also stood by under-pressure coach Anthony Seibold, after admitting mid-season he was safe “at this point” with the under-performing club.
Off-field, the former Greyhounds NSW boss has lifted Manly’s crowds, with Brookvale Oval now regularly selling out.
“After a three-year term, there are mixed feelings in departing Manly,” Mestrov said.
“I am proud of the business transformation delivered by a hard-working team that I had the pleasure to lead.
“I believe the club is well positioned for future success, on and off the field, and can build upon the foundations that are now in place.”
Former prop Jason King, who currently heads up the NRL’s integrity unit, is the early favourite to replace Mestrov at the helm.
Since 2014, David Perry, Joe Kelly, Tim Cleary, Lyall Gorman, Stephen Humphreys and Mestrov have held CEO roles.
The club also had no one in the position full-time for a large part of 2022, leading up to the Pride Jersey saga.
In that time Manly’s on-field output has been a picture of inconsistency, reaching only one preliminary final after being in four deciders between 2007 and 2013.
“Tony has been CEO for just over three years, and I can say that the club is on a much stronger footing than when he started,” chairman and owner Scott Penn said.
“Tony has overseen the successful growth of commercial revenues, memberships and ticket sales, while at the same time helping to transform the culture of our office teams.
“On behalf of the board, I thank Tony for his dedication and for a legacy contribution to the club. We wish him all the very best with his next venture.”
AAP
