After five years as CEO of the St George Illawarra Dragons, Ryan Webb is set to depart next April as the club searches for a new leader. The decision not to renew his tenure marks the beginning of the hunt for a successor to guide the team, with hopes of making the NRL Finals under coach Shane Flanagan.
Webb, who took over in 2020 from Brian Johnston, played a key role in managing various aspects of the club, from financial and commercial operations to supporting head coaches and expanding the club’s community reach.
“Ryan is a great person and has been a strong leader for the club. He stepped into the role during the challenging COVID period, implementing important reforms and steering us through significant changes,” said Dragons Chairman Andrew Lancaster.
During Webb’s time, the Dragons achieved significant milestones, including record commercial revenues and profitability, an expanded community program, and support for Coach Flanagan in reshaping the football department. He also played a crucial role in the upcoming construction of the Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre. Following Webb’s departure, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that several potential candidates have been linked to the position, including South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly, former Rabbitohs CEO Brock Schaefer, ex-NRL GM of Partnerships Jaymes Boland-Rudder, Supercars COO Tim Watsford, and former Trip-A-Deal owner Norm Black.
The club has already approached Solly, but he declined, expressing his preference to remain at South Sydney and work alongside Wayne Bennett. According to The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle Knights CEO Peter Parr has also been considered, and the Dragons have reportedly reached out to him.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Webb stated, “Being CEO of St George Illawarra has been an absolute privilege, and I will always be proud of the experience.”
Webb’s commitment to creating a strong, inclusive culture has laid a solid foundation for the club’s future success. His close collaboration with the board, players, staff, and fans has positioned the Dragons for continued growth.
