Bulldogs and CEO Hill part ways after key role in rebuild

Canterbury have parted ways with CEO Andrew Hill as he becomes the highest profile departure of a turbulent off-field summer at Belmore.

The Bulldogs confirmed Hill's exit on Tuesday afternoon after the decision was made on Monday evening.

Hill's exit follows in the wake of club chair Lynn Anderson, board members Paul Dunn and John Ballesty and head of football Steve Price all moving on since the end of 2020, while former coach Dean Pay quit in July.

Hill spent three drama-filled years in the CEO role as boardroom fighting and a salary cap crippled by back-ended deals consigned the Bulldogs to a lengthy rebuld.

The start of Trent Barrett's era as coach had however begun with optimism around the signings of Nick Cotric, Corey Allan, Kyle Flanagan, Jack Hetherington, Josh Addo-Carr (from 2022) and Matt Burton (2022), making Hill's departure all the more surprising.

Hill has been involved in player recruitment decisions among his other duties right up until this week, negotiating Corey Allan's three-year deal that lured the Queensland rookie from South Sydney.

Having previously worked at Parramatta, the GWS Giants and NRL, Hill said he was ready to move onto another role, with the respected administrator expected to be in high demand given his experience.

"I have enjoyed my time at the Bulldogs and after three years of service in the role the time is now right to look at my next challenge," Hill said in a brief statement.

"I wish the club and team every success for the future."

Hill had overseen one of the most tumultuous periods in Canterbury's history with previous coaches Des Hasler and Pay both falling by the wayside during his tenure.

In that time the Bulldogs' salary cap was rebuilt amid constant front office dramas, with Anderson, Dunn and Ballesty all relinquished their positions to avoid an extraordinary general meeting being called.

Hill's exit continues the upheaval in recent times, though the landing of Laundy Hotels as major sponsor last year was seen as a significant coup and a signal of stability to start Barrett's regime.

"Andrew Hill has made a significant contribution to the Bulldogs over the past three years," Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said.

"He has strengthened all areas of the club and will leave us in a strong position for a new CEO to take over.

"We are appreciative of his professionalism in signalling this early enough for us to find a replacement in time for the start of the season."

The club's chief financial officer John White will take over CEO duties in an interim capacity as Canterbury look to recruit a long-term replacement.