Women add bite to Sharks
Today's appointment of two members of the high profile Women on Boards network to the Cronulla Sharks Football and League Clubs is a milestone in the role of women in sport.
Women on Boards Executive Director, Claire Braund, said Jenny Reynolds and Denise Aldous were exceptional candidates, whose appointment as the first female directors in the Shark's history heralded a new era at the club.
"The impact of improved gender balance on the dynamics, culture and governance of the Sharks will be significant," she said.
"More qualified and professional female role models at the top level can
only impact positively on player conduct and behaviour."
"Research shows that gender balance on boards leads to improved financial
performance, stakeholder value, staff retention, marketability and public
perception for organizations."
"The great thing for the NRL is that there are plenty more aspirant female directors with the qualifications, experience and passion for sport that Reynolds and Aldous have," Braund said.
Denise Aldous said of her appointment:
I have been a passionate follower of most sporting codes for years and understand the importance of sport in Australian life. I believe strongly that positive role modelling by elite sportspeople and the businesses behind them is therefore really critical. This opportunity gives me a chance to combine my extensive business and finance skills and a passion for sport to work with the board to really make a difference for the Sharks."
"I have been very impressed with the integrity of the process led by the new club President Damian Irvine. From the start he has been open and honest about the state of the club and his plans for renewal. He has made all relevant material available for review and has kept us informed throughout. It has been a very positive process and augurs well for the club going forward."
Jenny Reynolds said of her appointment:
"The opportunity to be a director of the Sharks is an exciting one for me. I look forward to leveraging my strong financial and commercial experience to contribute to the Sharks business performance as well as having a part to play in the cultural journey."
"The process that we have followed has been very transparent and open. It has included disclosures of the issues facing the club and its financial situation. The board has supported both Denise and I to conduct a rigorous due diligence on the Sharks business."