Mielekamp assumes role of General Manager of Football

The Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm the appointment of Shaun Mielekamp as the Club’s General Manager of Football.

Mielekamp – currently the Wests Tigers General Manager of Community, Foundation and Affiliates – will transition into a role which will oversee the Club’s NRL program, Men’s Pathways and recruitment.

A highly regarded sports administrator, Mielekamp arrived at Concord in early-2024 following a nine-year stint as CEO of the Central Coast Mariners FC – a role which saw him take the club to an unprecedented level of success both domestically and internationally.

Mielekamp was the architect of a resurgence which saw one of the smallest clubs in the league rise from the bottom of the ladder, become a finals contender and ultimately secure back-to-back Grand Final victories (2023 and 2024).

Mielekamp was instrumental in the Mariners’ AFC Cup campaign, which saw them become only the second Australian club to secure continental silverware in Asia. The historic ‘treble’ – an A-League Championship, Premiership and AFC Cup – was a first in Australian football.

In addition to his work in the A-League, Mielekamp played a leading role in the integration of the Mariners youth programs into the existing network of local clubs. Additionally, he oversaw the transition of countless players into professional football, while also negotiating and securing overseas transfers for several high-profile youngsters.

During his time on the Central Coast, Mielekamp was responsible for managing the Mariners' football department and academy, while driving the administration arm of the club to unprecedented commercial growth and levels of community support.

In addition to his experience in football, Mielekamp’s experience is grounded in rugby league – across commercial and marketing – at both the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Wests Tigers CEO, Shane Richardson welcomed Mielekamp’s transition into this new role.

“Shaun’s a fantastic administrator who has already made a tremendous impact in his 18-months here at the Club,” Richardson said.

“His role at the Mariners oversaw all elements of their football department, and he was able to bring that club a tremendous amount of success, which is quite exceptional given the constraints he was required to work within.

“Shaun has a deep understanding of how to develop and foster a winning culture, and we identified that experience, as well as other key values he has demonstrated as ideal for this role moving forward.

“I’m looking forward to working with Shaun in this new role in what will be an exciting time for the Club,” Richardson concluded.

Newly appointed General Manager of Football, Shaun Mielekamp said he felt privileged to step into the role.

This is an opportunity I’m really excited about, there’s been a huge amount of work over the past 18-months right across the Club to set it up for success and now it’s time for us to take that next step.

Shaun Mielekamp Wests Tigers General Manager of Football

“My job is to build on the foundations that have already been laid, as well as look at the steps we need to take as a Club to ensure long term success that meets our strategic vision.

“We’ve got so much talent coming through our Pathways – particularly through the South West – and I’m determined to play my part to maximise the opportunity for those players and the Club long term.

“I'm grateful to Shane and the Board for their endorsement; and I’m looking forward to working with Benji, the playing squad and our staff to achieve great things in 2026 and beyond,” Mielekamp concluded.

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