St George Illawarra has appointed Supercars boss Tim Watsford as its new chief executive.
Watsford – who has nearly two decades of leadership experience in professional sport, major events and commercial strategy – will begin the role on June 2.
Prior to taking over at Supercars – where he led a new street circuit event and major events precinct in Perth, reinforcing his expertise in legacy-building projects, Watsford was the boss of Northern Territory Major Events Company.
He also has experience in rugby league, as general manager of major events and entertainment from 2015-18. In that role, he oversaw marquee products including State of Origin, the grand final and international tournaments. His curriculum vitae also includes senior roles with Rugby Australia and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.
“Rugby league has always been my passion, and I’m incredibly excited to take on this opportunity with the St George Illawarra Dragons,” Watsford said.
“The board has undertaken a thorough process, and I truly appreciate the faith they’ve placed in me to drive success for our members and fans.
“The club’s direction is clear, and there is a strong foundation for growth and sustainable success. My previous roles have given me invaluable experience in building sports brands, engaging fans, and delivering high-performance outcomes. I’m looking forward to working with the team and getting started from day one.”
Current Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb will finish up at the club in April after five years in the job.
Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster said Watsford was a natural fit for the role.
“The board is very pleased to welcome Tim as our new CEO,” Lancaster said. “His deep understanding of rugby league, combined with his experience in major event development, commercial growth, and fan engagement, makes him a perfect fit for our club.
“Tim has a proven ability to drive innovation, foster high-performance environments and build meaningful connections between clubs, fans, and the wider community.
“Being CEO of the Dragons comes with clear accountability, and Tim has embraced the expectations we have set for success.”
