Queensland Rugby League appoints Rohan Sawyer as their new CEO to succeed Rob Moore

The QRL has been on the lookout for a new CEO since Rob Moore announced his impending departure – and now they have found their man.

Queensland Rugby League CEO Rohan Sawyer.

The Queensland Rugby League’s extensive search for a new chief executive is over with Rohan Sawyer to succeed departing boss Rob Moore.

Moore presided over the Queensland Origin team’s decade of dominance during his 10-year reign and he will pass the chief-executive’s baton to the well-regarded Sawyer when he officially severs ties with the QRL in October.

The QRL searched far and wide for Moore’s replacement, receiving a multitude of expressions of interest from some of Australia’s top executives in sport and government.

But in the end the QRL opted to promote from within its own ranks after being impressed with Sawyer’s performance since he joined the organisation as chief operating officer in 2018.

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Rohan Sawyer will replace outgoing Queensland Rugby League CEO Rob Moore, who enjoyed a decade of service.

Sawyer was viewed for some time as the natural successor to Moore and Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher lauded the 2017 Rugby League World Cup commercial chief as the man to lead a new era for the QRL.

“Rohan has done an outstanding job while in his role as chief operating officer,” Mr Hatcher said.

“It is a feather in the cap of our organisation to be able to promote from within and on merit, as it will only help the QRL maintain momentum moving forward.

“Rohan is a true sports administrator and business leader who has strong relationships across the broader community, state and national rugby league bodies.

“Additionally, he offers a deep understanding of the administration of rugby league, the National Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League Commission, funding to members and the role of the Rugby League Players Association.”

Hatcher said Sawyer’s experience in the code and recent achievements made him a standout applicant.

Rohan Sawyer speaks at the launch of a new TAFE and QRL partnership. Picture: AAP Image/Claudia Baxter

As commercial-and-marketing chief for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Sawyer drove promotional campaigns for the 14-team tournament across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Sawyer previously worked with the Australian Turf Club as the head of commercial and marketing.

The CEO-in-waiting currently leads a team of 25 staff across commercial and statewide competitions, including the Intrust Super Cup, and says he is passionate about all sectors of the game in Queensland.

“I am humbled and excited to be given this opportunity by the QRL Board,” Sawyer said.

“We’ve got great people here at the QRL, and everyone has contributed to where we are today.

“In particular, I’d like to make special mention of Rob Moore, who is the walking encyclopaedia of rugby league.

“The QRL is in a position of strength because of his leadership over the past 10 years. It has been a privilege to learn from him.”