THE Carlton Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of former player and current Rugby League Players’ Association CEO Ian Prendergast to the role of Chief Commercial Officer & General Counsel.

Prendergast returns to the Blues having established a highly-credentialled resume in both sports administration and the legal industry.

For the last four years, Prendergast has been Chief Executive of the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA). In his time with the RLPA, Prendergast has successfully delivered the most lucrative and comprehensive CBA in NRL history as well as securing a significant number of improved employment arrangements for players.

In his role as Carlton Chief Commercial Officer & General Counsel, Prendergast will be responsible for the strategic development, sales, planning, organisation and servicing of the Commercial Operations function. He will also have oversight of all legal & integrity matters across the Club.

Prendergast said he was excited by the role and the opportunity to continue to grow the commercial opportunities of the Carlton Football Club.

“From an outsider’s perspective, the Club looks to be heading in the right direction — on and off-field," Prendergast said.

“The improvements in the off-field position and strategic direction is a credit to the Board and leaders at the Club and has given me a lot of confidence in committing to the role.

“I look forward to working with the entire Club and developing strong relationships with major partners Hyundai, Virgin Australia and other commercial partners. There is clearly an opportunity to build on the strong commercial base that now exists, particularly through Carlton IN Business.

“There is genuine excitement around the future of the Carlton Football Club, and I look forward to contributing in helping take it to the next level.”

Blues CEO Cain Liddle said the appointment of Prendergast would be a major boost as the Club looks to continue to grow on its already strong commercial position.

“We are delighted to have someone of Ian’s experience join the administration of the Club. He is a highly respected leader within Australian sport. Ian is a former Carlton player, a qualified lawyer and has held key positions with both the AFLPA and more recently the Rugby League Players’ Association in Sydney, where he is currently the CEO,” Liddle said.

“Ian will join our Executive team, responsible for our commercial revenues which encompass partnerships, corporate sales and our expanding Carlton IN Business program, which is now widely recognised as one of the biggest corporate networks in Australian sport. With Ian’s legal background, he will also have oversight for our Legal & Integrity functions.”

Prendergast will commence in his new role next April after completing his duties with the RLPA.