ARU appoints Law Firm CEO

Gary Flowers has been appointed the new ARU CEO

Mr Gary Flowers, the managing partner of national law firm Sparke Helmore, has been appointed as the Australian Rugby Union's new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Announcing the appointment, ARU Chairman Mr Bob Tuckey said Mr Flowers had the leadership and corporate skills to guide the ARU in an era of opportunity and growth in the profile of the game in Australia and internationally. He is a highly successful CEO with degrees in law and commerce and is expected to take up the appointment in June.

"Gary Flowers has a record of leadership, strategic thought and commercial skill that the ARU needs to develop rugby into Australia's number-one football code," Mr Tuckey said.

"In the professional rugby era, our ability to grow the game will be determined by our ability to manage major commercial issues such as broadcast rights, sponsorship and marketing while developing and promoting participation and support at all levels of the game.

"Gary has strong business credentials, extensive personal commitment to voluntary sports administration and is a team builder," Mr Tuckey said. 

Mr Tuckey said the appointment was made from a very impressive field of corporate executives and sports administrators located in Australia and overseas following an international search.

Mr Flowers described the role of ARU Chief Executive, as being like winning a personal Rugby World Cup.

"This is certainly one of the most sought-after jobs in the Australian business sector because of its special blend of commercial challenges, international prominence and direct involvement with a mass entertainment sport," Mr Flowers said.   

"I'm honoured by the confidence of the ARU Board and recognise that my ultimate responsibility is to develop rugby in Australia in the long term interests of all players and supporters. 

"With the highly successful Rugby World Cup, Australian Rugby has never been better placed to extend participation in the game at the local level and our standing internationally," Mr Flowers said.   

The appointment was made by the ARU Board following a search by international search firm Spencer Stuart to replace Mr John O'Neill who resigned from the CEO position in December last year. 

Media contact: Martin Debelle Cannings on (02) 9252 0622 + 0409 911 189

Gary Flowers CV

Since 1994, Gary Flowers has been National Managing Partner and CEO of the law firm Sparke Helmore, following eleven years as Partner at the same firm. Gary has strong experience in commercial negotiations strategic planning, governance and organisational structure, financial management, internal and external communications, and leadership and management of Executive teams.

Since being appointed National Managing Partner in 1994, Sparke Helmore has opened offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Muswellbrook, and has increased in size from approximately 100 people to a firm of almost 700 people nationally.  Over the same period revenue has increased from $12m annually to $80m (approx) in the 2003-04 financial year, achieved predominantly through organic growth rather than mergers. Sparke Helmore has averaged an annual growth rate in the past decade of 20% per annum and is the fastest growing national law firm having doubled in size in the last 3 years and tripled in size in the last 5 years.

Sporting Memberships and Associations

Gary has a history of voluntary involvement in sports associations. He is a Citing Officer NSW Rugby Union, and a patron of Manly Warringah District Cricket Club. Gary has membership of the Sports Business International, British Sports Law Association, and the Australia & New Zealand Sports Law Association and is Visiting Researcher* Australian Expert Group for Industry Studies, University of Western Sydney, Business of Sport. He is a member of Manly Rugby Football Club and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club.

In past years Gary acted as Chairman and Trustee of Manly Oval Trust, Grades Delegate Sydney Rugby Union, Selector, Deputy President and President of Manly Warringah District Cricket Club, Delegate to NSW Cricket Association, Committee Member Manly Rugby Football Club, Assistant Manager Manly Rugby 1st XV (premiers). Gary was a playing member Manly Rugby Football Club (1971-79) and played grade cricket with manly Warringah District Club (1971-91).

Professional Memberships and Associations

Gary is presently a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Institute of Company Directors Alumni, Trustee Committee for Economic Development Australia and Law Society of New South Wales.

Qualifications/Education

Gary completed his Bachelor of Commerce (1974) and Bachelor of Laws (1977) at the University of NSW and admitted to Practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of Supreme Court of NSW in 1978. He has additional professional qualifications from Harvard Business School, Yale School of Management, Australian Graduate School of Management and Australian Commercial Disputes Centre.

Community Appointments and Awards

Currently Gary is on the Spastic Centre Advisory Board and in 2003 was recognised for Services to the Spastic Centre. He is a Director of the Northern Medical Research Foundation. From 2000-2003 Gary was a Strategic Adviser for the Patrick Rafter Cherish the Children Foundation.

Personal

Gary is married to Professor Carol Ann Pollock, has two children, resides in Manly and attended St Ignatius College, Riverview NSW.


*Formal appointment as Visiting Scholar / Fellow pending confirmation by Vice Chancellor