Parramatta Eels legend Peter Sterling, tipped earlier in the year that his pick for club CEO would be former Roosters boss Bernie Gurr.
Two and a half months after taking over and it seems Sterlo was bang on the money. Gurr has been a calm and level headed appointment from the outside looking in.
Approaching this from a public relations point of view, Gurr is a breath of fresh air. The previous administration seemingly shackled the communications department.
Communications to members regarding important issues were often slow and delayed, giving very little information and often raising more questions than giving answers.
Gurr seems to be taking a very proactive approach. His messages are delivered timely and convey the right information to members and fans.
Take for example his recent handling of the Kenny Edwards issue. Within three hours of the news breaking, Parramatta members had the CEO’s email in their inboxes. As someone who works in corporate communications, three hours is a fast turnaround.
He also addressed the situation directly rather than glossing it over with basic corporate speak.
He provided the facts available, said the club was cooperating with the integrity unit which, as we all know, we haven’t done particularly well with in the past, offered services to Edwards and his family and cited the core values of the club. He also added he would update the members on further developments.
Gurr’s approach has come across as nothing but professional so far in his tenure.
Earlier in December he trumpeted the Eels brand in a bid to attract sponsors in a way no other Eels CEO has previously done. In years gone by former Eels bosses would hide behind their desks, only surfacing when an issue needed addressing.
Gurr is getting on the front foot and actively pushing the club he helms.
He’s also put his foot down on player recruitment. With rumours circulating regarding the future of star winger Semi Radradra, Gurr said the Eels would enforce the contract Semi had signed which would carry him through to the end of the 2017 season.
Parramatta has long struggled off the field but with Gurr in charge it seems they’re in much more competent hands than what they were in the past.
As the great Jack Gibson once said, “Success starts in the front office.”
Replies
Yes fair enough. I think he is Gurrate!
I'll be taking a longer term view at how Gurr, Donnelly and the new board go though before making judgement, but at this stage, you are correct Super, Gurr seems to be doing a good job?
I liked Sharp as a person and I thought having a Parra man at the helm was going to be a good thing. Unfortunately his lack of business acumen found him out of his depth. Nice bloke but a terrible administrator.
What is he too Marty then?
Brother
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/bernie-gurr/summary.html
Yes he's been a good appointment and was the bloke i wanted to get the job but don't go off half cocked Sup, 2 months is very early days to assess much, its to the point at Parra where people need to earn respect long term like Brads done.
Im backing Bernie to do just that but the proof will be in the pudding down the track., lets face it, its very easy to look good when compared to our last few CEO's
Mine did at least.
In all fairness this guy here would be looking like a world beater if he had just taken the CEO job..
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