Anthony De Ceglie resigns as Perth Bears chief executive
Gareth Holmes will become interim CEO as the club prepares for its first pre-season and entry into the NRL.
The Perth Bears are changing chief executives with six months remaining before their NRL debut, following Anthony De Ceglie’s resignation. Gareth Holmes, who heads the club’s football operations, will fill the role on an interim basis.
De Ceglie’s departure comes weeks before preparations begin for the Bears’ inaugural season. NRL executive chairman Peter V’Landys selected him to lead the competition’s 18th club. In a statement, De Ceglie expressed pride in his time at the Bears but gave no reason for leaving.
His position had been the subject of speculation about pressure from the board. Coach Mal Meninga had rejected those suggestions, saying both he and De Ceglie had strong internal support. Ownership remains with the Australian Rugby League Commission, meaning the Bears’ board could not dismiss the chief executive.
Bears chair Ben Morton thanked De Ceglie and said attention would shift to leadership for the club’s next phase. Morton credited his tenure with record commercial partnerships, a merchandise launch, more than 20,000 foundation members and progress on infrastructure programs. He also said the club had recruited a team he expected to be competitive.
