League: NZRL appoint chief executive

Jim Doyle has been entrusted with guiding the fortunes of the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL).

His appointment as chief executive was announced today by NZRL chairman Scott Carter.

Carter said Doyle, 47, had the right credentials for a role identified as one of the most critical by an independent committee's findings following its review of rugby league in this country.

"The NZRL board has been impressed with the calibre of individuals who expressed interest in this role and we're very pleased to have Jim on the team," Carter said.

"He's a strong and highly capable leader who is not afraid of making hard decisions. Jim has real strength of character and we consider he will cope extremely well with the challenges inherent in the NZRL chief executive's role."

Scotland-born Aucklander Doyle has become a New Zealand citizen since settling here with his family in 1994 after spending 12 years in South Africa.

He currently holds positions on several boards and has a long background in the technology sector, holding chief executive officer and general operational roles with a number of companies including Navman.

Doyle said he was thrilled to secure the position at a time when the NZRL was rebuilding.

"I'm really looking forward to coming in during a transitional phase and working with Scott and the board," he said.

"I really want to make a difference and do all I can to help rugby league become a much stronger sport on all fronts and at all levels.

"With the Kiwis being the world champions, it couldn't be a better time to be involved."

Doyle will start his new job fulltime from August.

- NZPA