The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs have today appointed Raelene Castle to the position of Chief Executive Officer, with her duties to commence on July 15.
Castle joins the Bulldogs from Netball New Zealand where she has overseen exceptional growth in commercial and broadcast revenue during her six year tenure as Chief Executive.
Castle was also heavily involved in the establishment and delivery of the ANZ Championship transTasman netball competition and lead the negotiations in securing the multi-million dollar naming rights sponsorship.
Telecom, Fuji Xerox and Bank of New Zealand are amongst the leading corporate organisations Castle has served in marketing and business leadership roles and Bulldogs Chairman Ray Dib says her appointment is a major coup for the Club.
“Raelene was the standout applicant from a list of high quality candidates made up of sporting and business leaders from around the world,” Dib said.
“Her combination of business and marketing acumen coupled with her experience with high performance athletes was unrivalled.
“Under Raelene’s leadership the Bulldogs can move forward into a new era with great confidence.
“It is also a watershed moment for the Bulldogs with the appointment of our first female Chief Executive and we’re delighted to welcome Raelene to the Club.”
Castle brings to the job a strong Rugby League pedigree with her father Bruce Castle having captained New Zealand Kiwis against the Kangaroos in the 1960s.
“I have grown up with Rugby League. I believe my appreciation of its history and the importance of the game to the Australian sporting landscape will be an excellent platform for the business acumen I bring to this role,” Castle said.
“The strong governance, sound financial standing, alongside the priority the Bulldogs place on community engagement provide with me an excellent opportunity to continue the substantial growth the business has shown in recent times.
“I am excited for the opportunities ahead for this Club and for Rugby League and I will look to continue a Bulldogs tradition of innovation and strong leadership to ensure we can make the most of them.”
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Biography:
Born: Wagga Wagga, NSW, Age 42
Raelene and her partner Greg Jones will move to Australia in July. Her commercial acumen is matched by her sporting achievements. Raelene is a New Zealand Lawn Bowls champion and has also played netball and tennis at representative level.
She is a Director of Netball New Zealand, ANZ Championship INF (International Netball Federation) and is the Chair of the NZ National Sports Organisations' leadership group. She is also a Trustee for the Rising Trust, which seeks to unlock the potential of South Auckland youth and a business mentor to young female executives.
Raelene received the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award in 2011.
Parents:
Bruce Castle: Kiwi Player 1961-67 and Captain in 1967. NZ Rugby League Selector 1999-2001
Marlene Castle: New Zealand Bowls Representative 16 years, 4 Commonwealth Games, 1 silver medal and 2 bronze. Won World Indoor Singles.