Parramatta Eels Chairman Max Donnelly announced today the appointment of Bernie Gurr as the new Parramatta Eels CEO on a 3 year contact.

Gurr was selected from an outstanding field of applicants following a thorough recruitment process undertaken over the past six weeks.

After graduating from the University of New South Wales with a business degree, Gurr had a successful career with Ernst and Young before being appointed Director of Finance for FIFA World Cup USA in 1994.

He then returned to Australia and became CEO of the Sydney Roosters, the Club he had played for during 6 seasons from 1978 through 1983.

During his 9 seasons as Roosters CEO, Gurr oversaw a turnaround of the Club on and off the field, presiding over eight straight playoff appearances, three grand finals and the 2002 NRL Premiership.

He returned to the US in 2003 and has most recently been a senior executive with the Crown Worldwide Group for the past nine years.

Eels Chairman Max Donnelly said that Bernie’s appointment is a major and positive step forward for the Club.

“Following my appointment in July, I made it clear we needed a strong and experienced CEO to accelerate the rebuilding of the Football Club.

“Bernie emerged as the best choice because of his proven financial and leadership experience both in business and in sports administration.

“He also displayed throughout the process a passion and strategic vision to transform our Club and take it forward in a positive way.

“Together with his professional values, Bernie will bring enormous credibility with our stakeholders and I am sure he will develop a strong relationship with our members and supporters," Mr Donnelly said.

Mr Gurr said he was looking forward to leading the Club towards a positive future.

"It is a privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Parramatta National Rugby League Club.

“The Parramatta Eels are poised for an outstanding future, with a large and passionate supporter base, a great junior league, financial sustainability and, from 2019, the absolute best Club stadium in Australia located in the geographic heart of Sydney.

"Observing from the outside, the Parramatta Football Program is headed in the right direction.

“The resilience and competitiveness demonstrated throughout an extremely demanding 2016 season is a tribute to Head Coach, Brad Arthur, and his players,” Mr Gurr said.

Gurr will begin his time with the Club in late October.