Lorna McPherson appointed as new CEO of PNG Chiefs

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman, Peter V’landys, has announced the appointment of Lorna McPherson as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PNG Chiefs today (14 January 2026).   

McPherson will fill the vacancy left by PNG Chiefs’ founding CEO Andrew Hill, who vacated the top job last year to become the Panthers Group CEO.

She is no stranger to PNG rugby league, having served in the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Boards for over ten years.

McPherson brings with her extensive commercial and sports leadership experience in PNG, giving her the leverage to lead the PNG Chiefs as the team prepares to enter the NRL by 2028.  

The new Chiefs’ boss currently wears several hats, serving as the PNGRFL Director, PNG Chiefs Director, Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Director, and Digicel’s Senior Vice President, among other notable roles.

ARLC Chair, Peter V’landys, commented on McPherson’s appointment: “Lorna has an outstanding track record of business success and importantly, she has been entrenched in PNG and directly involved with rugby league for over 16 years.

“Securing a leader with a reputation for driving significant commercial growth across business and the elite local rugby league competitions, along with established connections in PNG, is an important step in building a strong administration for the Chiefs.”

The PNG Chiefs Board released a statement, congratulating McPherson on her appointment and assuring their support and confidence in her leadership to steer the Chiefs.

“The Board of Directors is pleased to formally congratulate and welcome the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Lorna McPherson,” the statement announced.  

“This selection marks an important milestone for the PNG Chiefs, with the appointment made official today by the Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’landys.

“The appointment of Lorna marks the first step in a long list of priorities for the club, and as a board, we look forward to working closely with Lorna and her executive team to build a strong foundation and ensure the Chiefs are set up for success.”

A powerhouse in business and sports, especially rugby league, McPherson is driving the future of the 13-man code in PNG and across the Pacific in anticipation of fielding the Chiefs in the top-flight competition (NRL) by 2028.