Bad news for Bears as inaugural CEO steps down

The Perth Bears have confirmed that inaugural CEO Anthony de Ceglie has resigned from his position.

Having been appointed to the role in May 2025, it was hoped that de Ceglie's local expertise within Western Australia could help the NRL's 17th club grow within the AFL-dominated market.

But in recent days, reports emerged from News Corp that some members within their board were pushing for his dismissal, with the NRL's executive chairman, Peter V'Landys, having to intervene.

But de Ceglie has chosen to go out of his own accord. The club confirmed the decision on Friday night (AEDT), with the former editor-in-chief of the West Australian Newspapers expressing his gratitude to the club.

"I'm extremely proud of what the hard-working Perth Bears team has achieved in the past year," Mr De Ceglie said.

"I have no doubt that the Perth Bears will continue to grow and grow, and become a behemoth of the national sporting stage”.

"The Perth Bears have a professional and dedicated executive leadership team supported by very talented group of committed staff. The club is in exceptional hands under the leadership of Head Coach Mal Meninga and Assistant Coach Ben Gardiner. Getting to work alongside both of them for the past year has been one of the greatest highlights of my professional life.

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank ARLC executive chairman Peter V'Landys; whom I have the utmost respect for as an administrator, businessman and human.

"I would also like to thank all of our major partners and our affiliates who helped the Perth Bears grow so successfully and so exponentially.

"I would like to thank the Perth Bears Board too and wish them all the best moving forward.

"Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank the fans both in Western Australia and North Sydney. They are - and will always be - what matters most. Go Bears!"

Following the decision, the Bears have confirmed that GM of Football Gareth Holmes will become the club's interim CEO.