Andrew Abdo was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League (NRL) in September 2020. Prior to that Andrew was the NRL’s Chief Commercial Officer for 4 years, primarily responsible for revenue growth. During this period, Andrew led the growth of the game’s total revenues by 12% per annum (growing from $334m in 2015 to $528m in 2019).
Together with Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM, Andrew played a pivotal role both in the NRL becoming the first national sporting code to return to the field following the suspension of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a background in corporate finance, Andrew has led the commercial growth of the sport through innovations in sponsorship, events and digital experiences, including the creation of Magic Round and establishing an in-house creative agency for partners. He believes sport is about entertainment, about bringing people and communities together, and in helping deliver social change.
South African born, Andrew is a qualified Chartered Accountant, holds an MBA and enjoyed a successful finance career in Johannesburg before he and his family migrated to Sydney in 2012 where he took up a role with Deloitte Australia before joining the NRL.
He is married to Anna, has a daughter, Megan and a son, Anthony. He is a Manly Sea-Eagles fan, but most of all Andrew is passionate about sport’s ability to have a positive impact in communities.
Updates from the Sport Group
Champions of Change Sport
Andrew Abdo is a Member of the Champions of Change Sport Group established in 2015. The Sport Group includes leaders from every major sport in Australia, and of some of Australia’s most successful sporting clubs. The group is focused on advancing women in leadership, pay equality and creating safe, respectful and inclusive sporting environments.