Watson steps down in Warriors reshuffle

Warriors owner Eric Watson is stepping down from his role as chairman of the club.

Effective from September 1, Watson will relinquish his position as chairman, with managing director Jim Doyle to move into the role of executive chairman while chief operating officer Cameron George will become CEO.

The announcement comes a day after Auckland businessman Paul Davys withdrew his offer to purchase the struggling NRL club, which has been owned by Watson for 17 years.

Last week, Watson said he was considering interest from several parties but insisted he was in no rush to sell.

With the Warriors set to miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season, the UKbased Watson has been criticised for not giving enough attention to the club.

In announcing the executive changes, Watson made no mention of sale plans but admitted the Warriors would be better equipped for success with an Aucklandbased chairman.

‘‘The changes are in the club’s best interests,’’ he said. ‘‘With succession in mind, this was always our plan and we’re ideally positioned to implement these moves with minimal disruption.

‘‘The chairman’s role is best performed locally.

‘‘It’s a fast-paced business with a lot going on at any one time. In more recent times, I’ve had limited opportunities to spend time in New Zealand and have a lot of demands on my time.

‘‘The new NRL funding model means the clubs are big business and deserve a dedicated focus. A local chairman will be better placed to steer the Warriors to achieving success.

‘‘In Jim, we have an experienced executive of the highest calibre, a proven businessman and someone with a tremendous passion for rugby league.’’

Watson took over the chairmanship early last year, following the acrimonious split with former co-owner Sir Owen Glenn.

But he had always envisaged Doyle stepping into the role when the former NZRL boss joined the club at the end of the 2014 season.

‘‘Transitioning him through the managing director role to executive chairman was our plan at the time he joined the club in 2014 to ensure his knowledge, relationships and expertise were retained within the club,’’ said Watson.

‘‘He will be involved in not only ongoing board matters and supporting Cameron as CEO but also representing the club in NRL relations and overseeing board-level strategic initiatives.’’

Previously CEO with the Auckland Racing Club, George had been identified some time ago by the Warriors, Doyle said.

George joined the club as a board director last year before taking up the COO role in May.

‘‘Cameron comes with leadership experience in the sports, entertainment and integrity industry,’’ Doyle added. ‘‘He comes into the CEO’s position with the benefit of experience. He’ll do a fantastic job.’’