Tigers confirm CEO’s departure as nasty board room drama claims another high-profile casualty

Shane Richardson’s tenure as Tigers CEO has come to an end, with the club’s board room drama resulting in another casualty.

A week after club chairman Barry O’Farrell and three other independent directors were controversially sacked by the joint venture club, Richardson has walked away from his position.

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The Tigers confirmed the news on Monday afternoon in a club statement.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of the Wests Tigers and see what we’ve been able to achieve as a club,” Richardson said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Benji Marshall, the players, staff, sponsors and fans for their support over the last two years.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of staff who work tremendously hard – from administration through to football – and their efforts in turning this club around need to be recognised, without them the club would not be in the position it is today.”

Richardson’s decision also comes amid an NRL integrity unit probe around the veteran administrator’s conduct at the Tigers.

As per the SMH, a whistleblower raised concerns with the club’s finances while Richardson has been at the helm and a potential conflict of interest regarding a business Richardson part owns with his son.

That business, the Enrichd Group, has been paid money by the club for marketing, branding and digital consultancy services.

However, it is understood that Richardson isn’t concerned about the integrity unit’s investigation.

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The Holman Barnes Group, the 90 per cent owners of the Tigers club, accepted Richardson’s resignation.

“We thank Shane for his service,” HBG’s chief executive officer Daniel Paton said.

“His resignation paves the way for a new path forward for the football club, and we will be making an announcement about the new leadership in the near future.

“We again wish to reassure our fans and the broader NRL of our commitment to the joint venture.

“We intend for everyone to move forward together as one, and will be driving this reality through a new CEO and leadership.”

Former Manly CEO Tony Mestrov has reportedly been approached by the Tigers to take over Richardson’s post but hasn’t given an answer on whether he will.