Ex-NSW Premier Leads Wests Tigers Board Overhaul in Joint Venture Clash

Wests Tigers have announced four new independent directors for the club’s board amid a bloody battle at the joint venture NRL outfit.

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Former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell headlines the quartet, having already served as interim chair for 12 months.

The other directors are Charlie Viola, the executive chair of Viola Private Wealth, and former partner at Pitcher Partners; Michelle McDowell, the former managing director of Allied Express; and Annabelle Williams, a former chair of the Athlete’s Commission for Paralympics Australia, former board member of Paralympics Australia and Swimming Australia, and a lawyer.

The appointments were made after a 12-month search by an independent talent agency.

Ex-NSW Premier Leads Wests Tigers Board Overhaul in Joint Venture Clash

Interim representatives remaining on the board are Danny Stapleton (Balmain), Stephen Montgomery (Western Suburbs) and Dennis Burgess (Holman Barnes Group).

The new appointments come in the wake of a dramatic episode that saw three directors of the Holman Barnes Group, which owns Western Suburbs Leagues Club, sent packing and handed bans.

They were Tony Andreacchio (six-year suspension), Rick Wayde (eight-years) and David Gilbert (six months).

Reports have been rife in recent weeks of suspicions that the Western Suburbs half of the Wests Tigers franchise wants to dump the Balmain Tigers element, and make an NRL return as the Magpies.

Chair of the Holman Barnes Group, Julie Romero, said of the new board appointments: “Holman Barnes Group is extremely pleased with the appointment of the four accomplished independent directors. Each person brings a strong and diverse skill set, valuable experience, energy and independent thought. All essential to create a thriving Boardroom dynamic. This is an exciting opportunity to ensure Wests Tigers can operate with true corporate governance.”

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson said the appointments were a significant step forward.

“The addition of these independent directors is a pivotal moment for Wests Tigers. Their expertise and fresh perspectives will play a crucial role in guiding the Club as we embark on the next phase of our journey to success.”