Vodafone Warriors chairman Bill Wavish confirmed today that chief executive Wayne Scurrah will leave the club at the end of 2014.

Current NRL chief operating officer and ex NZRL CEO Jim Doyle has been appointed as the next CEO for the club. Wavish praised Scurrah for his contribution to the club, 2014 being his ninth season as chief executive.

“Wayne has worked very effectively for the club,” he said.

“During his time we have seen the Vodafone Warriors improve across the full range of football and business activities and become one of the strongest clubs in the NRL. Wayne indicated some weeks ago his aim to step down at the end of the season. Jim Doyle was approached and we are thrilled that he has signed a contract to be the next Vodafone Warriors chief executive officer.”

Scurrah says when he joined the club in November 2005 he didn’t anticipate being in the role for nine seasons.

“When I started we had significant challenges both on and off the field,” he said.

“The club is in much stronger shape and I would like to acknowledge the remarkable team of people who have worked with me during this time to achieve what we have. It’s been a privilege to be in the role and I look forward to continuing to work with my team until I leave later this year. I would also like to publically congratulate Jim on his appointment. I’m certain he will be a great asset for the club.”

Wavish agrees: “The Board has every confidence in Jim not only as a proven businessman but also as a passionate stalwart of rugby league in New Zealand.”

Vodafone Warriors owner Eric Watson commented: “Wayne has done a professional job and I’m grateful for the passion and commitment he’s shown during his tenure.

“The Vodafone Warriors are about to complete their second decade which makes the next 10 years critical for the club. Jim’s a highly successful businessman first and foremost but his understanding and connection with the game is a great asset. I’m hugely excited about Jim’s appointment and the future of the Vodafone Warriors.”

Doyle is best known in New Zealand business circles for the significant role he played with Navman initially as chief operating officer and then chief executive officer taking the organisation from a $3 million company to a $500 million worldwide brand. Doyle says he’s delighted about the role and returning to New Zealand.

"The Vodafone Warriors club has a good reputation within the NRL based on the work that Wayne and his team have done in recent years,” he said.

“I'm very excited about both the role and returning home to New Zealand. I am sure the next stage will be exciting and challenging, and I am committed to seeing us lift the bar even higher on and off the field."

Doyle will commence the role as CEO of the Vodafone Warriors on November 10, 2014.