Robert Elstone named as new Super League Europe CEO

The former director at Castleford Tigers has been appointed as chief executive with Super League Europe.

Barnsley-born Robert Elstone, also a lifelong Castleford Tigers fan, studied economics at Hull University and was the chief executive of Everton Football Club chief executive for 13 years before stepping down last month.

Elstone qualified as an accountant with Deloitte and part of his accountancy career was 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 and the formation of Super League.

He then returned to Deloitte and joined the Sports Business Group. 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.

Elstone joined Everton in 2005 as chief operating officer and was appointed chief executive in 2009 and a director in 2016.

“I would like to thank the Super League clubs for giving me the opportunity,” Elstone said.

“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.

“If we can bring all that together I’m confident that the game can look forward to a bigger and better future.”

During his time at the RFL, Elstone was involved in the switch from winter to summer and the advent of Super League, as well as helping formulate the introduction of Paris Saint Germain to the English league when the new structure was introduced in 1996.

“I am delighted to welcome Robert back into the sport,” Super League chairman Brian Barwick said.

“He is a great enthusiast of rugby league and has also worked extensively in the wider business of professional sport.”