NRL 2024: St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Ryan Webb to depart club, Blake Solly linked to position
St George Illawarra have announced CEO Ryan Webb will stand down from his position, with South Sydney boss Blake Solly sensationally linked to the role.
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The Dragons are on the hunt for a new CEO with Ryan Webb set to depart the club.
In a major decision that will impact the club’s direction and leadership, St George Illawarra have announced that after five years in charge Webb will be standing down from the high-profile role.
“Ryan is a great person and has been a strong leader for the club,’’ Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster said.
“He took on the role during a testing time as Covid impacted the NRL, bringing in much-needed reforms and guiding us through a period of significant change over recent years.
“Ryan’s efforts have set us up for continued growth.
“He has worked closely with the board, players, staff and fans to ensure that the Dragons will continue building into the future.”
Dragons have approached Newcastle chief executive Peter Parr for the job.
Others linked to the position include South Sydney’s Blake Solly and ex-South Sydney chief operating officer Brock Schaefer.
Webb was appointed as Dragons CEO in March, 2020, replacing Brian Johnston.
Lancaster said Webb would remain in the role until next April, a unique situation that will involve the departing CEO playing a role in handing over the reins to his successor.
“Being CEO of St George Illawarra is an absolute privilege and an experience I will always be proud of,” Webb said.
The appointment of the Dragons next CEO will be pivotal following a positive 2024 season under head coach Shane Flanagan that saw Saints narrowly miss the finals.
A major focus for the next CEO will be the future of Ben Hunt, which continues to be a point of conjecture, while ahead of the 2025 season the Dragons have 14 players off-contract of which the CEO will play a key role in their retention or release.
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Originally published as NRL 2024: St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Ryan Webb to depart club, Blake Solly linked to position
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