The Sharks today announced the appointment of senior business executive Richard Munro as the club’s new Group CEO.

He will be responsible for the operations of both the Football Club and the Leagues Club.

Munro is currently CEO of the Accommodation Association of Australia which represents the leading hotel chains around the country.

He has been in the role for the last seven years during which time the industry body has seen huge growth and delivered strong financial results as well as a highly respected brand.

Sharks Chairman Dino Mezzatesta said Munro was the ideal person to take charge of the club at a crucial time in the club’s history.

“Richard’s track record of leadership, stability and growth are just what the club is looking for as we seek to become a leading NRL franchise,” he said.

“The Sharks are now in a sound financial position and our focus shifts to building new world class facilities at Woolooware, improving our core business operations and ensuring our fans continue to have a strong team on the field.

“Those things can only happen if you have a strong front office and that is what Richard will deliver for us.”

Munro is a former President of numerous Associations and was previously General Manager Hospitality operations at The Star.

He said he is excited at the prospect of leading the Sharks in the next phase of their history.

“I am determined to ensure the Sharks are successful both on and off the field,” Munro said.

“That can only happen if we run the club as professionally and successfully as any other club in the game.

“The club has been through some challenges in the last couple of years but they are behind us now and the time has come to build a business which will ensure the long term success of the Sharks.”

Munro said he is a long time Rugby League fan but his role is to oversee the business side of the Sharks operations and to provide a platform for a successful team on the field.

He will take over at the Sharks at the completion of his current contract with the Accommodation Association of Australia next month.

Sharks Board member Steven Mace will take on the Group CEO role on an interim basis until Munro takes up the position full time.