Canterbury Bulldogs CEO: Aaron Warburton named new chief executive of NRL club

Canterbury have moved quickly to fill their vacant CEO role before the start of the NRL season, turning to a former Bulldog to lead them.

Aaron Warburton has been named the new Bulldogs CEO. Picture: AAP Image/Angelo Velardo

The Canterbury Bulldogs have appointed commercial expert Aaron Warburton as their new chief executive to replace Andrew Hill.

Warburton previously worked at the Bulldogs as head of commercial and landed one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals with KIA motors.

“This is such an exciting period for the Bulldogs and I’m honoured to be part of it,” Warburton said.

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Aaron Warburton (left), along with Kate Hutchison and Frank Micali during his previous time at the Bulldogs in 2013.

The Bulldogs confirmed Warburton’s appointment on Friday afternoon.

“Aaron’s astute commercial acumen, his knowledge of membership and fan engagement, his understanding of high performance and the value he places on strong community connections made him a standout for the role,” Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said.

“He understands the fabric of the Bulldogs and he’s highly motivated to create an environment where players, staff, sponsors, members and fans can all thrive. Aaron’s leadership, combined with Trent Barrett’s determination to succeed, means the Bulldogs have a bright future ahead.”

He has beaten a hot field for the job, including former chairman Ray Dib who was interviewed last week and reached out to major sponsor Arthur Laundy for support.

However, Laundy gave his blessing for Warburton when the announcement was made on Friday.

“I have been impressed with the way that the Board has conducted their search for the new Chief Executive of the Football Club and am confident that they have found the best person for the job,” Laundy said.

“Aaron will be in a great position to continue to build on the momentum that Trent and his squad have created in the off-season and I am excited about what lies ahead for this great club.”

Arthur Laundy with former Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill. Picture: Brett Costello

Warburton will begin his job in the coming weeks.

“A new coach and new recruits will bring exciting opportunities for this great club and it’s a privilege to be part of this evolution,” Warburton said.

“With the season just around the corner I can’t wait to start. I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure success for the Bulldogs in 2021 and beyond.”

Warburton has also previously worked at the Parramatta Eels in sponsorship.

The club is now looking to hire a general manager of football to work alongside new coach Trent Barrett, who has been busy transforming the Bulldogs on the field.

Canterbury have already added Nick Cotric (Raiders), Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Jack Hetherington (Panthers) and Kyle Flanagan (Roosters) to their roster for this season, while Melbourne winger Josh Addo-Carr and Penrith half Matt Burton will join the club in 2022.

The Bulldogs have tried to secure Burton for this season, leading to a tense stand-off between Barrett and Penrith coach Ivan Cleary.

Aaron Warburton is the latest piece in a total Bulldogs rebuild. Picture: AAP/Angelo Velardo

Off the field, Hill last month joined the likes of former coach Dean Pay, chair Lynne Anderson, head of football Steve Price plus other members of the club’s executive team to exit the club in an unprecedented re-build.

Pay walked away from his position last July, with three months remaining on his contract, amid speculation the knives were out for him. Despite that, Canterbury paid out their former coach in full, in a display of class from the club.

Anderson and directors John Ballesty and Paul Dunn stood down from their roles on the Canterbury board last October, to prevent an extraordinary general meeting to remove them which has infuriated the club’s major sponsors.

Canterbury parted ways with club great Price after just 12 months as the Bulldogs’ head of football.

Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs CEO: Aaron Warburton named new chief executive of NRL club