Melissa Tomlinson appointed as new Rhinos Netball Chairperson

Leeds Rhinos Netball have announced the appointment of Melissa Tomlinson as their new Chairperson.

Yorkshire-born Tomlinson, is Chair of the Keith Howard Foundation, an independent Charity which has granted over £16 million to local charities since it was established in 2008. She began her career at Emerald Publishing in 2013, working in a variety of roles including Publisher, Head of Community Partnerships and Non-Executive Director on the Board which she joined in 2018.

Melissa has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Leeds and a BA Hons in Business with Human Resource Management from Newcastle Business School.

She has been on the Netball Board of Directors since 2022 and takes over from Andrew Thrikill who has held the position since the club’s first season in 2021.

Speaking about her new role, Tomlinson said: “I have always been a huge netball fan all my life and I have followed Rhinos rugby for many years.  Our Foundation supports the Rhinos Foundation, so I have always been interested and involved in the club. When the franchise for the new Leeds Rhinos Netball started to get set up, I took an immediate interest in how it was getting on and followed the team through the seasons. Last year I got asked to join the Board as a Director and with the previous Chair taking a step back it opened an opportunity for me to step into the Chair role.

“I am extremely excited, the Rhinos family is a brilliant one to be a part.  Every single person is passionate and dedicated to the club and what it represents. Being part of the Board for Rhinos Netball allows me to bring my enthusiasm for Netball and business knowledge together, working alongside Gary, Liana and the team to ensure the club goes from strength to strength, both on and off court.

“For the next few years, my main aim is to get a home venue for Rhinos Netball, it’s essential for fans, team morale, and the club overall. I also want to see more of our pathway players coming through to the first team squad and represent their hometown of Leeds. Another priority is a top four position in the season coming up – which, with the team, including the great signings and the inclusion of Geva Mentor and Head Coach Liana Leota, I have every faith we can do!”