Peter V'landys has been credited with helping secure Australian rugby league's $5.3 billion, seven-year broadcast agreement.
The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman also played a leading role in keeping the code operating during the COVID-19 crisis in early 2020.
His influence has now expanded after NRL club representatives approved his appointment as executive chairman, according to the Courier-Mail.
South Sydney Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas led the club leaders supporting the proposal, which took only 30 minutes to receive unanimous backing from those present.
Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp and Wests Tigers chairman Barry O'Farrell were absent and therefore did not vote in favour.
The decision strengthens V'landys' authority beyond his existing position as the game's central figurehead.
It also gives him an unusually powerful position internationally, according to the report.
National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell does not possess equivalent security, because NFL teams can remove him if 24 vote for his dismissal.