Senior board members appointed for RL Commercial

Rugby League Commercial, the new company created to drive rugby league’s commercial development as part of the realignment of the sport’s governance, has appointed its first senior board members.

Frank Slevin has been appointed as the first chair of RL Commercial. He is also the Independent Chair of British Cycling. 

Joining Slevin on the board will be IMG media head of sport, Ed Mallaburn, reflecting the 12-year strategic partnership between IMG, the RFL and SLE, which was confirmed earlier this year. 

Recruitment of a further four non-executive directors is ongoing. The board will oversee work to develop rugby league’s value across all revenue-driving areas. RL Commercial will be fully operational by January 2023. 

Simon Johnson and Ken Davy release statement for new RL Commercial

In a joint statement, Simon Johnson, (chair of the RFL) and Ken Davy (the chair of Super League Europe), said: “We are excited that the board of our new aligned joint venture, RL Commercial, is beginning to take shape with these two significant appointments. 

“Frank Slevin is an outstanding business leader who impressed us with his experience, intelligence, decency and commitment. He is passionate about using his experience to help us build the board, grow the team and commercialise our sport. We very much look forward to working closely alongside Frank.

“We are also delighted that IMG has nominated Ed Mallaburn to serve on the board. Ed is a senior leader within IMG and will help to ensure that the relationship between IMG and RL Commercial is strong at every level. His wealth of experience in the commercial development of sport around the world will hugely enhance the board’s discussions.”

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