St Helens Rugby League Football Club has officially appointed Abi Ekoku as its new Chief Executive Officer, filling the vacancy left by Mike Rush's departure earlier this year. Ekoku, who has been serving as the interim CEO of the Rugby Football League (RFL) since last October, brings decades of experience from both on and off the field to the Super League giants.
"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," said Ekoku in a statement. "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."
The 59-year-old former winger, who played for London Broncos, Halifax, and Bradford Bulls, takes the reins after Rush stepped down in February following 27 years with the club, 13 of which were as CEO.
Ekoku's background is notably diverse. Before his rugby league career, he was an accomplished track and field athlete, competing in discus and shot put and representing England at the Commonwealth Games. On the pitch, he was part of the Bradford side that won the Super League title in 1997.
His post-playing administrative career has been extensive. He previously chaired the Rugby League Players' Association and held managing director and CEO roles at Keighley Cougars and Bradford Bulls respectively. During his tenure at Bradford, the club celebrated significant success, securing two Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, and two World Club Challenges.
St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus expressed confidence in the appointment, stating, "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 also acknowledged Ekoku's contributions during his interim leadership, saying, "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."
The RFL board is now set to convene to finalise interim arrangements ahead of appointing a permanent successor to Ekoku's former role.