The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Sarantinos as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Jim has worked with the Club since 2016 when he was appointed to the Parramatta Eels Board as one of two PLC nominees on an interim basis while PLC underwent its governance reform process. He stepped down as a Board member in June this year to become the Club’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), and was the acting CEO when former CEO Bernie Gurr stepped down last month.

The Parramatta Eels Board commenced an extensive search for a CEO in September, which included a rigorous multi-staged process. There were a number of high calibre candidates who applied however following the final interview phase, the Board came to the conclusion that Jim represented the best candidate to lead the Club into the future.

Parramatta Eels Club Chairman Sean McElduff paid tribute to Jim’s significant contribution to the Club as an Eels Director and in his role as the COO.

“Jim has played a crucial role in stabilising the Parramatta Eels since 2016. His extensive experience, skills and capabilities are an asset to any organisation, and we are very confident he will play a major role in ensuring the Club delivers on its strategic objectives.

Workplace culture and values are very important to us as an organisation and Jim will be a significant driver of creating an environment at the Club that ensures our people reach their potential.

On behalf of the board, staff, players, members and supporters, we congratulate Jim on his appointment and wish him all the best in his new role.”

Jim said he would draw on both his business and Board member experience and place a priority on facilitating a values driven, high performance organisation.

“I’m extremely humbled to be appointed the CEO of a Club with such a rich history and a very exciting future.

The foundations have been laid over the last couple of years and I intend to build on that over the next period of our history. We play in a world class venue at Bankwest Stadium and the facilities at Kellyville Park will be outstanding.

Now that we are a stable Club, our priority is to deliver sustained success both on and off the field.

I’m looking forward to working with the Parramatta Leagues Club, the Eels Board, our staff, players, members, corporate and community partners and fans to help create an enduring sporting legacy.”

Among his accomplishments since 2016, Jim was instrumental in leading the negotiations for the Eels agreement with Bankwest Stadium, driving the Eels strategic plan and has played a major role in securing government support for our high performance centre at Kellyville.