St Helens appoint Ekoku as CEO after Rush departure
Abi Ekoku was previously CEO at Bradford during an era where they won two Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges St Helens have appointed interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku as their new CEO following the departure of Mike Rush in February. The 59-year-old former London Broncos, Halifax and Bradford winger took over at the RFL on an interim basis last October. Rush stepped down from his position , external earlier this year after 27 years at the club, of which 13 were in the position of CEO.
In a statement, the RFL said its board would meet "in due course to finalise interim arrangements pending the appointment of a full-time CEO". "Excellence, resilience, ambition and flair are the foundations that have made St Helens the most successful club of the Super League era, and I feel profoundly honoured and excited to be entrusted with the opportunity to forge new pathways for engagement, growth and achievement at every level," Ekoku said. "I can't wait to embrace the incredible energy of our staff, supporters and partners, new and old, as we collaborate to write the next chapter together.
" Prior to playing rugby league, Ekoku was an accomplished athlete in discus and shot put and represented England at the Commonwealth Games. During his playing career he was part of the Bradford side which won Super League in 1997 and was also a Challenge Cup finalist. After his retirement, he was appointed chair of the Rugby League Players' Association and later served as managing director at Keighley Cougars and was CEO at Bradford during an era where they won two Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges.
Saints chairman Eamonn McManus added: "Abi has a wealth of relevant experience in senior administration, elite performance, commerce, finance, marketing and media in sport, particularly in rugby league, stretching back decades. "He will bring professionalism, maturity and experience to our club as we look to improve our commercial and sporting performances, as well as strengthen our brand and profile nationally and internationally. " RFL chairman Nigel Wood added: "I'd like to thank Abi for his hard work, diligence and professionalism over the last seven months, helping lead the RFL in a variety of key areas.
"His dedication to the cause has been welcomed and, through his leadership, he has been influential in some major decision-making around the sport. I wish him well with his new endeavours. "