Andrew Hill has stepped down from his role of Chief Executive of the Papua New Guinea expansion team to lead NRL powerhouse, the Penrith Panthers.
The four-peat champions announced Hill’s appointment of CEO of the Panthers Group via a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
It’s a major blow for the PNG franchise given Hill spent three-and-a-half years helping set up the NRL’s 19th team ahead of its slated 2028 entry to the competition. But the opportunity to join a Sydney-based club — and the most successful one of the last five years — was too good to pass up.
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“This journey has been an extraordinary and humbling experience. I am sincerely grateful for the support, collaboration, and warmth extended to me by the people of PNG throughout this time,” Hill told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Recently, I was offered an exciting role that allows me to align my skills and experience more closely with opportunities closer to home.
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“After years of travel between Sydney and Port Moresby, I look forward to spending more time with my family.
“With the successful outcome of the PNG NRL bid and the establishment of the new franchise board as of 30 July, now is an appropriate time to transition leadership.
“The project is well-positioned for the next phase, and I am confident that the foundation laid by the many committed stakeholders will continue to grow into a successful and sustainable NRL club.
“I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. It has been an honour to contribute to such a significant and inspiring initiative.”
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Hill will replace longstanding CEO Brian Fletcher, who will retire in November, and will oversee the Panthers Group’s leagues club program, which includes venues in Penrith, Port Macquarie, Bathurst, North Richmond and Glenbrook, as well as the Western Sydney Conference Centre and Pullman Sydney Penrith.
“Andrew is an outstanding leader who brings extensive experience from both the sporting and corporate sectors,” Panthers Group chairman Peter Graham said on Wednesday.
“The Panthers Group is in an exciting period of growth, and Andrew’s appointment ensures we are well-positioned to deliver long-term success for our members and the wider community.”
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Hill has a long history in the NRL. Prior to his work with the PNG franchise, he was the CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Rugby League World Cup. Hill has also held senior executive roles at the Parramatta Eels and GWS Giants.
His resignation from the PNG franchise comes just over a month after Wapu Sonk stepped down from his role amid claims of corruption. Sonk was one of the inaugural seven directors, but resigned as per the request of PNG Prime Minister James Marape.
