Parramatta Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos will step down from his role at the end of 2026 following a ten-year stint at the helm.
The club has ticked many commercial boxes, while also engaging in on-field success with five finals appearances and a Grand Final berth in 2022 since his arrival.
Under Sarantinos’ guard, the club has tripled revenue, gained record-smashing membership growth, while delivering a world-class centre of excellence for Eels pathways players all the way up to NRL level.
Sarantinos also invested heavily in the women’s grassroots and Eels Academy programs for future generations of Eels stars.
The decade-long serving chief executive spoke passionately about the club’s impact on him.
“This Club has meant so much to me for so long, but I feel that the time is right,” Sarantinos said in an Eels statement.
“When I arrived in 2016, the Club was facing a difficult period in its proud history. There were many challenges ahead, but I held a deep belief that this Club could once again become the organisation its members, fans and community deserved.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the culture that has taken shape across the Club. We have worked hard to create a place where people enjoy coming to work, look out for one another and build strong relationships. The sense of connection that exists today is something I hope continues to grow.
“The Parramatta Eels belongs to the generations of people who have worn the Blue and Gold, filled the grandstands and passed their love of this Club on to those who follow – all connected by the badge. I have been fortunate to serve as one of the Club’s custodians for a period of that journey.
“I leave with enormous gratitude and a sense of pride, knowing the Club is stronger than when I arrived and well placed for the future.”
Eels chairman Matthew Beach thanked Sarantinos for his incredible work he achieved for the club.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jim for a decade of extraordinary service to this Club, including the last 7 years as Chief Executive Officer. His vision and drive were instrumental in delivering the Eels Centre of Excellence — a legacy that will benefit our players, our staff and our community for generations to come,” Beach said.
“During Jim’s tenure, he has transformed our commercial business which has enabled increased investment in the men’s, women’s and Eels Academy football programs. We are grateful for everything Jim has given the Eels, and we wish him every success for the next chapter of his career.
“Jim has helped guide the Club through one of the most significant periods of transformation in our history. Jim has always led with integrity, passion and an unwavering commitment to the best interests of the Parramatta Eels. This integrity has provided stability at the board and within senior management, and reestablished trust in our Club.
“His commitment to building a stronger organisation, both on and off the field, has left a lasting legacy that will benefit the Club for many years to come. The Board respects his decision and fully understands his view that now is the right time for the Club to enter its next chapter under new leadership.
“While there is still much to achieve, the foundations are firmly in place. Jim should be incredibly proud of the role he has played in positioning the Parramatta Eels for a strong future.”
When Sarantinos took the job in 2016, the Eels faced extreme adversity when it was revealed there were salary cap breaches within the club, sending shockwaves throughout the NRL world.
The club received a $1 million fine, stripped of its recent Auckland Nines title and docked 12-competitions that year.
“In 2016, the Club was facing a difficult period in its proud history and needed to be returned to a position of strength,” Sarantinos said in a members’ email on Thursday.
“There were many challenges ahead, but I held a deep belief that this Club could once again become the organisation its members, fans and community deserved.
“Together, with the support of everyone within the Eels community, the Club has been transformed.”
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