Coetzee to take over from Teichmann at Sharks

NEWS: The Sharks Board of Directors announced that current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eduard Coetzee will succeed Gary Teichmann as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Sharks, effective September 2019.

Eduard takes over the reins from Teichmann, who will bow out from his role after three years at the helm.

“Gary came in at a challenging time for Sharks Rugby and not only brought stability and leadership to the role, but also a strong business background at a time when sport is indeed big business,” said Stephen Saad, the Chairman of The Sharks Board of Directors.

“Although Gary will vacate his current position, he will remain actively involved at the Sharks where he will impart business and leadership advice and engaging with key stakeholders, with Eduard enjoying a sounding board offered by Gary. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gary for his invaluable contribution to the Sharks and more specifically for the principled approach he took and the strong work ethic that accompanied everything he did.”

The Sharks (Pty) Ltd Board of Directors, today announced that current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eduard Coetzee will succeed Gary Teichmann as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Sharks, effective September 2019.

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— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) July 17, 2019

As a former player, Eduard Coetzee returned to the Sharks to take up the position of Chief Operating Officer in 2014 and he now into his sixth year in administration at the Sharks

“I am extremely humbled to be appointed as the next CEO of the Sharks,” said Coetzee. “My strategy will be to build on the platform and stability created by Gary during his tenure. The basic business principles of corporate governance and financial controls are non-negotiable fundamentals in our business and will be amplified going forward.

“However, as a strategy I believe that people process culture, culture is my strategy and it needs to be worked on daily in order to be effective. Driving the Sharks culture will create unity from top to bottom. When the chips are down, absolute alignment is key…a strong culture will align individuals in a tough environment like professional sport.”

Saad added: “Eduard’s strong working relationship with Gary over the last three years means his elevation to CEO will be a continuance of a vision to take the Sharks franchise from strength to strength as a sports team and as a business. We will all be there to support him every step of the way.”

Photo by Steve Haag