HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS have appointed Ralph Rimmer to their board, four months after the former RFL chief executive returned to the club.
Rimmer has been given the title ‘director of change’ having completed a review of the Giants’ operations.
“Having worked within the Giants over the last few months in completing the original task, I couldn’t help but feel the passion and desire that exists amongst everyone at the club to push on and achieve more,” said Rimmer.
“I have worked with the board, the staff, the coaches, the players and the Community Trust and have not only been welcomed in but fresh ideas have been embraced. The mood for change is very real.
“When Ken asked if I would consider staying on to help drive change, I did have other options to consider but my enthusiasm for the club and the people in and around it, won through.
“No one now underestimates what lies ahead but good people, working together with energy, can achieve a lot.
“I would like to feel that I have had an impact thus far, there is a good vibe growing internally and we are absolutely up for the challenge.
“There are some exciting changes ahead – the clue is in the title!”
Rimmer led the RFL for five years up until the end of 2022, having been chief operating officer for seven years prior to that.
He was chief executive of Huddersfield for five years after playing a key role in its merger with Sheffield Eagles in 1999 when he was in charge of the latter club.
He has also been the managing director of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), the company which manages the Giants’ current home, the Accu Stadium.
A solution to the stadium issue is one of the club’s most pressing concerns, with owner Ken Davy keen to build a new ground in the town and willing to temporarily relocate to The Shay in Halifax, which he bought earlier this year, once plans progress.
Davy said: “We, like many clubs, face challenges, however ours are particularly acute given the circumstances forced upon us by the stadium situation, with a need for both short- and long-term solutions.
“We also have the absolute desire to put ourselves consistently at the top end of Super League and, as I have publicly stated, achieve a Grand Final spot within three years.
“To achieve our goals will not be easy. It is going to take complete focus and dedication from everyone involved as we drive through change within all areas of the club.
“I was absolutely delighted when Ralph agreed to join the board, as his energy, knowledge and expertise has already been a breath of fresh air for everyone at the club.
“The journey will not be an easy one, but in Ralph we have a man whose abilities will help us to maximise the opportunities ahead and enable our dedicated staff to excel.”