The Vodafone Warriors’ board structure has been reshaped as a result of Eric Watson acquiring sole ownership of the club late last year.
It’s the first time since Watson acquired the club in late 2000 that he has been a 100 per cent shareholder.
Under the new ownership model he becomes chairman, taking over from Bill Wavish who has been in the role since 2012; Wavish remains on the board as a director.
“With Eric the sole owner it’s logical he should now become chairman,” said Vodafone Warriors managing director Jim Doyle.
“It will mean Eric and I will have a closer working relationship.”
Watson paid tribute to Wavish for his contribution as chairman.
“I’d like to thank Bill for the outstanding job he did during what have been challenging times, including ownership changes,” he said.
As well as Watson becoming chairman, Owen Eastwood, Cameron George and Niki Schuck have been appointed new directors.
“By bringing on Owen, Cameron and Niki the board now includes expertise covering all aspects of the business,” said Doyle.
Southland-raised Eastwood, a lawyer, is a consultant to teams and organisations on developing high performance team culture. He has previous associations with the All Blacks through sponsor adidas, Chelsea FC, the South African cricket team and the military command group of NATO while he is currently retained by the City Football Group (working with Manchester City, New York City and Melbourne City), the Scotland rugby union team, the executive committee of Investec and the Football Association (working with the England national football teams).
Australian-born George, the Auckland Racing Club’s CEO since 2012, brings commercial, corporate, event management and fan engagement acumen to the board.
Dunedin-born Schuck provides expertise in public relations and communications. She runs her own PR and talent management company and has previously had communications roles with SKYCITY, Westpac and House of Travel.
VODAFONE WARRIORS BOARD
Owner & Chairman | Eric Watson
Managing Director | Jim Doyle
Existing Directors | Bill Birnie, Justin Davis-Rice, Don Stanway, Bill Wavish
New Directors | Owen Eastwood, Cameron George, Niki Schuck
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