The North Queensland Cowboys Group have today announced the appointment of Tim Follett as the inaugural Group Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s evolution to a fully integrated group structure.
Mr Follett will lead the newly aligned Cowboys Group, which brings together the Cowboys Rugby League Football Club, Cowboys Leagues Club and Cowboys Community Foundation under a united executive leadership model.
The appointment follows recent structural changes designed to strengthen alignment across the organisation’s sporting, commercial and community arms, ensuring a unified approach to performance, growth and long-term sustainability.
A highly regarded executive and business leader, Mr Follett brings more than 20 years’ experience across professional services, sport, hospitality, government and community sectors. He is currently Partner & CEO of PKF North Queensland, where he has successfully established and grown a community-based professional services firm in Townsville from the ground up.
Importantly, Mr Follett’s experience in sport and entertainment environments, including involvement in the establishment of sports ventures and advisory roles across clubs and hospitality organisations and charities, positions him strongly to lead the Cowboys Group into its next phase.
His background also includes work on major organisational restructures and shared services models, aligning closely with the Cowboys’ recent transition to a group structure.
North Queensland Cowboys Group Chairman, Lewis Ramsay, said Mr Follett’s combination of commercial acumen, sporting insight and community leadership made him the standout candidate.
“Tim is an exceptional business leader who understands both high-performance environments and the importance of community connection,” Mr Ramsay said.
“As we bring together our diverse operations under one group structure, it was critical we appointed someone who can lead across all facets of the organisation and who will complement our current talented group of executives.”
Mr Follett has deep ties to the North Queensland community and a strong track record of leadership within community-based organisations. He has served in executive and board roles across not-for-profit and education sectors, inspiring large teams of staff and volunteers, and delivering impactful community outcomes.
A passionate advocate for grassroots sport, Mr Follett has volunteered as a local level coach and played representative-level soccer, reinforcing his strong connection to sport.
Mr Follett said he is honoured to take on the role and lead one of the region’s most important organisations.
“The Cowboys are much more than a sporting team – they are a unifying force for North Queensland,” Mr Follett said.
“To have the opportunity to lead the organisation at a time where the football club, leagues club and foundation are aligned under one vision is incredibly exciting.”
“I’m passionate about building strong organisations that deliver both high performance and meaningful community impact, and I look forward to working with our people, partners and community to drive the Cowboys Group forward.”
Mr Follett will commence in the role this July.
