Nelson – who is the SANFL’s General Manager, Partnerships and Strategy – has been on secondment to the Power since late last year in an acting role, in addition to his duties at the SANFL.
As GM Commercial Operations at the Power, Nelson will oversee membership and retail operations, marketing activities and corporate partner programs, and will work closely with CEO Mark Haysman on club strategy.
Haysman says he’s delighted to have secured Rob full-time.
“Rob has fit in very well at the club, and we are delighted to be able to secure him,” Haysman said. “He has a broad background in sports administration, is a terrific strategic thinker, is a real people person, and rounds out our leadership team in an excellent way.”
SA Football Executive Commissioner and SANFL General Manager Leigh Whicker says: “Rob has been outstanding in his role at the SANFL as General Manager Partnerships and Strategy.
“Rob has developed strong networks in the private and public sectors and is a highly respected. His new appointment at Port Adelaide will provide the Club with considerable sports management experience at an executive level.
“We at the SANFL wish him well and look forward to working closely with him and the new Executive Team at the Port Adelaide Football Club.”
Nelson says the opportunity was unexpected but one that he’s tremendously excited about.
“I have been fortunate to have been working at the Power over the past couple of months and have been very impressed with the leadership and direction which the club is taking,” Nelson said.
“I am extremely thankful to Leigh Whicker and the SANFL for their support in this move. I certainly did not expect this sort of opportunity to arise when I joined the SANFL a year ago, and Leigh has been nothing but supportive of my accepting it.”
Prior to the SANFL Rob has held senior executive positions in Surf Lifesaving, Sydney Olympics, Australian Major Events and Rugby Union. Rob also holds a bachelor of business in Sport Management from Victoria’s Deakin University.
Rob played junior football at Glenelg and Brighton High School. He has represented Australia in canoeing and South Australia in both canoeing and Surf Lifesaving.
