Former Everton boss takes over at Super League
The former chief executive of Everton Robert Elstone has been appointed in a similar role with Super League Europe.
Super League Europe confirmed the appointment of Robert Elstone yesterday.
Mr Elstone was a director at member club Castleford Tigers and had been at Everton for 13 years.
He said: “I would like to thank the Super League clubs for giving me the opportunity to shape the future of a sport I have watched and loved for as long as I can remember.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to apply all my energies and experience to drive the Betfred Super League forward.
“Like so many sports, we face many challenges. However, we take with us a greater number of much sought-after advantages and attributes, not least our players, our fans, our great clubs and the heritage and values of a fantastic sport.”
Having studied Economics at Hull University and captained its Rugby League team to success in both the Universities’ Cup and Championship, he qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.
He continued his accountancy career in Sydney for two years, before returning to the UK and taking up a position at the RFL supporting its chief executive with roles on the 1995 World Cup, the formation of Super League and the first year of the brave venture into France, with PSG Rugby League.
Elstone returned to Deloitte and joined the Sports Business Group, at its formation.
Whilst at Deloitte, he advised some of the biggest clubs and Leagues in world sport.
He then joined Sky to head up its Football Business Affairs team charged with capitalizing on the media and commercial rights acquired at four leading football clubs.
Elstone joined Everton in 2005 as chief operating officer and was confirmed chief executive in 2009 and a director in 2016.
Much of his work over recent years has been on Everton’s new stadium project, acquiring land, developing designs and securing a substantial element of funding.
He said: “At the heart of the Premier League’s success is compelling football played by some of the world’s best players in great stadia that are almost always full.
“And, whilst there are many obvious economic differences, it is the quality of the product that has underpinned its appeal and growth.
“Super League needs to start at that same point by investing and improving what we offer to fans, partners and broadcasters.”
Chairman of Super League Europe, Brian Barwick, said: “I am delighted to welcome Robert back into the sport. He is a great enthusiast of Rugby League and has also worked extensively in the wider business of professional sport.”
