NRL looks to guide reputation of the game with new corporate affairs appointment

The National Rugby League (NRL) has appointed Liz Deegan to the newly created executive role of Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

After 31 years at News Corp, across roles such as a journalist, editor, editorial business manager, editorial commercial director, and, most recently, general manager corporate affairs and relationships, Deegan will join the executive team at the NRL to guide the reputation and engagement activities of Australia’s most-watched sport.

In this role, Deegan (pictured) will be responsible for developing and leading the strategic communication strategies which will work collaboratively across all core areas of the business, especially in relation to brand, people, broadcast, content and media.

Announcing Deegan's appointment, NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg stated “Liz brings a wealth of experience in media, corporate communications, and reputation and commercial relationship management, combined with a deep understanding of our culture and the value of NRL to our fans and our partners.

“She is a communications and media professional of the highest calibre with an exceptional reputation and work history.

“I look forward to her joining our team as we focus on the continued growth of our game.

Reporting to Greenberg and set to work closely with the Australian Rugby League Commission and key internal and external stakeholders, Deegan said she is looking forward to further enhancing the NRL’s brand across the country.

She advised "this is an exceptional opportunity to lead the corporate affairs and communications strategy for Australia’s most loved sport.

“I know this game and understand and value the role it holds in our communities.

“I look forward to working with Todd and his team as we grow and evolve the role of the NRL.”

In addition to Deegan’s appointment, the NRL has also recently welcomed Daniel Meers as General Manager Media & Communications.

Most recently, Meers was a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and prior to that, spent more than 10 years as a journalist, firstly as a respected sports writer and later, a national political reporter in Canberra.

Other recent changes to the NRL’s media and communications department include Glenn Jackson’s promotion to Senior Media and Communications Manager and Tom Gallimore’s promotion to Senior Corporate Affairs Manager effective from July, both of whom will report to Meers.