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Leeanne Grantham has today been announced as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Adelaide 36ers. She will become the first ever female CEO of any club in National Basketball League history. Grantham has a solid job ahead of her, in turning around the fortunes of a long-proud club which has struggled in recent seasons.
[UPDATE: As pointed out to me by Nick Marvin, Perth Wildcats CEO, the first female CEO of an NBL team was in fact Juanita O’Brien, of the Cairns Taipans, who part owned the team with her father John at the time.]
From the 36ers’ press release:
Grantham is most recently known in South Australia as the former General Manager of Events South Australia, a position she held for four years before accepting the post of heading up Women’s Sport at the FFA in Sydney. She returned to her hometown Adelaide earlier this year, after three years at the FFA.
The former Australian and State player also ran the WNBL for six years and was CEO of the Melbourne 2002 World Masters Games.
Chairman of the 36ers, Daryl Simmons, said he and the Board were thrilled at the appointment.
“Leeanne not only brings to our Club a wealth of experience in the corporate and government sectors, she also has had a major influence in the growth of our sport.”
“We are extremely pleased that Leeanne has accepted our invitation to lead the Adelaide 36ers. Our search for the right person was extensive and Leeanne has ticked all of our boxes, and much more,” he said.
Commenting on her appointment, Grantham said she was looking forward to the opportunity to put back into the sport she loves.
“I am genuinely excited to be given this opportunity by Daryl and the Board of the Adelaide 36ers. Not only do I get to contribute back to the sport I love but I get to do it in my hometown.”
“The future of the NBL is a bright one and I am looking forward to using my experience in sport and major events to develop one of the most recognised brands in the League and South Australia,” she said.
