The Perth Bears have appointed Tony Rea as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rea has more than 30 years' experience in professional sport and international business, including global capital markets.
His sporting career includes playing and captaining the North Sydney Bears, coaching the ACT Brumbies, and leading the London Broncos as CEO and coach during their entry into Super League.
Chairman Ben Morton said the club had completed its start-up phase and was moving into a build stage.
"We have successfully navigated the start-up phase and Tony brings the leadership needed for the build phase," he said.
Morton said Rea would unite the organisation's teams and bring mentoring experience, while supporting the growth of rugby league across WA.
Rea said he had worked in numerous club roles, including player, captain, development officer, head coach, director of rugby and board member.
"My job as CEO is not to do any one of those jobs - but rather to use that experience to lead the professional team together as one, committed to success," he said.
He said the squad, assembled under Mal Meninga, needed the support to become a formidable team.
"the hungry and determined squad has been curated under the wise leadership of Mal Meninga."
Rea said he was pleased to call WA home and help develop more rugby league talent there.
The board thanked staff who had taken on additional responsibilities, particularly football general manager Gareth Holmes, who served as interim CEO.