ST HELENS have appointed current RFL chief Abi Ekoku as their new CEO.
Ekoku has been in interim charge of the governing body since Tony Sutton stepped down last September, but will leave the role later this month to join Saints.
There he takes over from Mike Rush, who stood down in February after 13 years as CEO and 27 years at the club in total.
A former Team GB international athlete, Ekoku moved into professional rugby league by joining London Broncos in 1993, before moving to Halifax and then Bradford.
After roles with the Rugby League Players’ Association and Keighley Cougars, he returned to the Bulls as CEO during a golden period in which they won six major trophies.
Ekoku also served as Great Britain Rugby League’s team manager for the 2006 Tri-Nations series and the successful home series against New Zealand in 2007.
Away from rugby league, Ekoku has been a director and consultant in property development.
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: “Abi has a wealth of relevant experience in senior administration, elite performance, commerce, finance, marketing and media in sport, particularly in rugby league, stretching back decades.
“He will bring professionalism, maturity and experience to our club as we look to improve our commercial and sporting performances, as well as strengthen our brand and profile nationally and internationally.
“I’m sure he will be warmly welcomed and supported by our staff, sponsors and supporters alike as he looks to improve our club at every level.
“Along with my board of directors, I look forward to working with and supporting Abi in the years ahead.”
Ekoku said: “Excellence, resilience, ambition, and flair are the foundations that have made St Helens the most successful club of the Super League era, and I feel profoundly honoured and excited to be entrusted with the opportunity to forge new pathways for engagement, growth, and achievement at every level.
“I can’t wait to embrace the incredible energy of our staff, supporters, and partners, new and old, as we collaborate to write the next chapter together.”
Ekoku presided over a challenging period at the RFL which saw two clubs – Salford Red Devils and Halifax Panthers – liquidated and Featherstone Rovers removed from the Championship after entering administration.
The RFL say they will “meet in due course to finalise interim arrangements“ before the appointment of a new full-time CEO.
Chairman Nigel Wood said: “I’d like to thank Abi for his hard work, diligence and professionalism over the last seven months, helping lead the RFL in a variety of key areas.
“His dedication to the cause has been welcomed and, through his leadership, he has been influential in some major decision-making around the sport. I wish him well with his new endeavours.”