Matt Gidley announces Knights departure

Newcastle Knights Chief Executive Officer Matt Gidley will stand down from his position, effective November 1.

Gidley began his commercial tenure with the Club in 2010 as Business Development Manager, before commencing as CEO in 2011.

During Gidley’s tenure, the Club has successfully delivered a number of strategic initiatives that will deliver sustained long-term success.

This includes a long-term stable ownership model, funding to deliver a Centre of Excellence for the community, increased investment and resources into the Club’s junior development department and profitability in 2018.

With the Club transitioning to ownership under The Wests Group, Gidley believes the time is right to step down from his position.

“There is no doubt the Club has faced significant challenges in the last decade and we have navigated our way through this period, which has required enormous change to be implemented across the organisation,” Gidley said.

“The vast majority of this change is now complete and it is an appropriate time for me to take a break.

“I would like to thank the Board of Directors, staff, players, partners, members and supporters for your patience and loyalty while we undertook the arduous task of rebuilding the Club.

“I am very confident the foundations have now been established to deliver the Club and the team you all fully deserve.”

Gidley will continue to assist the Club as it transitions to ownership under The Wests Group, concluding his tenure on November 1.

“The scale of the challenges that Matt and his team have overcome cannot be understated," NRL’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Club and State Services Tony Crawford said.

"Matt has made a wonderful contribution to the Club and community and needs to be commended for his tenure at the Newcastle Knights.

“There is no doubt Matt leaves the Club in a significantly stronger position to deliver long-term success, both on and off the field.”