Eels Operational Losses Reduced, But CEO Bernie Gurr To Step Down At End Of 2019 Season

Parramatta Eels CEO, Bernie Gurr, has given his intention to step down from the role when his contract expires at the end of the 2019 season.

When appointed as CEO in October 2016, the Parramatta Eels Club was dealing with substantial financial losses in 2015 & 2016, multiple Salary Cap breaches, governance problems that led to the removal of its Board, and sub-standard management practices and processes.

The NRL clubs sponsorship, hospitality and membership revenues were severely impaired by the reputational damage to the Club during this period, but since his appointment, Bernie has stabilised the business from a financial perspective.

The Eels have reportedly reduced operational losses from over $12 million in 2016 to $10 million in 2017 and then down to approximately $4 million in 2018.

Parramatta Eels Club Chairman, Sean McElduff, said: “Bernie has provided a major contribution to rebuilding our Club both on and off the field.

“He is an experienced administrator who provided stability, calmness and professionalism to the many issues our Club was facing in 2016.

“Bernie and his management team led some of the exciting new initiatives that will drive our Club in future years; we now have the wonderful new Bankwest Stadium as our home, the Kellyville Park “Centre of Excellence” project, a definitive Strategic Plan, increased management personnel, and our Football Programs are in good shape.

“On behalf of the Board, our staff, players, Members and fans, we wish to thank Bernie and his family for the tremendous contribution he has made to the Club.

“As Bernie has decided to step down, we’ll now commence a search for a replacement CEO,” added Sean.