Penrith Panthers Begin CEO Search with Precision and Purpose
As long-serving CEO Brian Fletcher prepares to exit the Penrith Panthers early next year, the club’s Board has launched a determined and carefully planned effort to find the best possible successor. Chairman Peter Graham has made it clear that the search for a new leader will be comprehensive, thoughtful, and backed by professional expertise to ensure the right person takes the helm for the next chapter in the Panthers’ journey.
Graham, speaking to The Western Weekender, emphasized the Board’s commitment to thoroughness and clarity as they begin the recruitment process. While there are already several internal figures being considered for the top job, the club will also enlist the services of a professional recruitment agency. This step underscores the Board’s intent to cast a wide net and ensure all qualified candidates—both internal and external—are given due consideration.
“We’ll be getting some support. There will be a recruitment agency that is helping us with this,” Graham said. “The Board and some advisors will sit down so we’re clear and are able to articulate what it is we want in a new CEO. That’s the first step in the process.”
The approach is structured and deliberate. Once the Board has clearly defined the attributes, qualifications, and leadership qualities they’re seeking in their next CEO, the role will be formally advertised. From there, a shortlist of top applicants will be created. A sub-committee of the Board will handle the initial review of the shortlisted candidates. When the list is narrowed to the final two or three contenders, the full Board will become actively involved in the final stages of selection.
This multi-stage process reflects the importance of the appointment, with the Panthers looking not just for a capable administrator, but a visionary leader who can guide the club through its next decade of challenges and growth. The new CEO will inherit a high-profile position, one that demands business acumen, community engagement, and a deep understanding of the sporting landscape in western Sydney and beyond.
Importantly, outgoing CEO Brian Fletcher will not play a part in choosing his replacement. He has confirmed his intention to step away from the process, giving the Board full independence in selecting the next leader. Graham acknowledged this with respect and noted that a fresh set of eyes will be crucial in shaping the club’s future.
“We want to be sure the person we do select is going to take on the challenges of the next 10 years with Panthers and give that confidence and continuity,” Graham said.
While Graham acknowledged that there are viable candidates already within the organisation, he emphasized that the decision will come down to suitability—not just competence or familiarity. The Board is determined to compare internal and external candidates on equal footing, selecting the individual who is best equipped to lead the Panthers into a new era.
“There are certainly suitable applicants within the organisation, the only question is level of suitability in comparison to others who might apply,” Graham noted.
The appointment will also serve to formally separate the management of the Panthers Group from that of the rugby league operations—a structural change the club believes will improve clarity and focus. For years, Fletcher oversaw both the Panthers Group and the rugby league club, creating a degree of overlap in responsibilities. Under the new structure, Matt Cameron will remain solely responsible for the rugby league side, while the new CEO will take full charge of the Panthers Group, which includes club operations, hospitality venues, and business entities.
“We’ll be clear about that. It’s very clearly a job where the focus is on the five clubs and the hotel,” Graham clarified.
This distinction is crucial as the Panthers look to streamline their operations and position the organisation for further growth. With its strong commercial base, rapidly expanding fan engagement, and recent on-field success, the Panthers Group requires a CEO who can manage complex business operations while also preserving the club’s strong connection with the local community.
The role is expected to be formally advertised in the coming weeks, with the successful applicant set to begin in early 2026. That gives the club time to complete the search thoroughly, manage a smooth transition, and ensure that the next CEO is set up for success from day one.
In the meantime, the Panthers Board remains focused on maintaining stability during the leadership changeover and ensuring the right process is followed. With Peter Graham at the helm of the search, supported by expert recruitment professionals and a clear plan, the club appears well-positioned to make a forward-thinking appointment that matches its ambitions on and off the field.
As Panthers fans and stakeholders watch closely, the Board’s commitment to due diligence and transparency in this key leadership decision will be critical in maintaining confidence and charting a bold path into the future.
