Overview
- Anthony De Ceglie announced his decision to step down on Friday after being appointed as the inaugural Perth Bears CEO in May 2025 to assemble the club ahead of its entry to the NRL.
- Perth Bears general manager of football Gareth Holmes will act as interim chief executive while the club conducts a search for a permanent replacement.
- The club gave no public reason for De Ceglie’s departure, though multiple media reports said the Bears board had been seeking a change and De Ceglie’s exit follows the April departure of head of football David Sharpe.
- Chair Ben Morton and De Ceglie exchanged public thanks in the club statement and the Bears stressed operational continuity with head coach Mal Meninga and senior football staff remaining in place.
- The leadership shift raises governance and stability questions for the NRL’s planned 18th team and first Western Australia franchise since 1997 as it readies commercial, media and recruitment work ahead of 2027.