Maroons great and recently departed QRL boss Ben Ikin has revealed his next career move — and it’s a million miles away from the footy field.
Ikin, who shocked the sporting world when he stepped down as Queensland Rugby League CEO just weeks before the State of Origin opener, is trading the footy boardroom for the property boom.
The 49-year-old is banking on the fast-growing real estate technology industry in his new post as chief executive officer of Queensland proptech firm, SearchX.
Ben and Beth Ikin at the Brisbane Broncos' 2023 season launch. Picture: David Clark
While the switch to tech boss may seem like a huge pivot to footy fans who know Ikin from former posts as Fox Sports presenter and Broncos head of football, it marks a return to his corporate roots.
Proptech firm SearchX appoints NRL great Ben Ikin to top post. Pictured L-R Riley Neaton (Co-Founder), Ben Ikin (CEO), Timothy Neville (Co-Founder). Pic:Supplied
Following his 2004 retirement from a 150-game NRL career spent mostly with Brisbane, Ikin worked in senior commercial roles in the property and construction sectors, before serving as the face of NRL 360 for another decade.
Tasked with leading SearchX’s national expansion, Ikin will take the reins of a portfolio of property businesses including tech, compliance, and legal services like SignedX, PropRT Conveyancing, and WealthApp.
“What SearchX has built in a very short period of time is incredibly impressive,” Ikin said.
“The business has identified real problems within the property industry and created technology-driven solutions that are fast, practical and scalable. There is an enormous opportunity ahead.”
Billy Slater during an Origin game. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Ikin watches on during a round 2 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys during his tenure as Broncos head of football. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
MORE NEWS
Brisbane property is hot — but not for long
Aus state capital hoovers up nation’s builders
Oympian’s parents list luxe Brisbane retreat
SearchX co-founder Riley Neaton said Ikin’s appointment was a coup for the ambitious start-up.
“He understands Queensland, he understands people, and he understands how to lead organisations through periods of rapid growth and transformation,” Mr Neaton said.
Co-founder Timothy Neville said Ikin’s executive experience made him the ideal person to drive the company’s national expansion.
Ikin announced his resignation from QRL last month and steps down as CEO at the end of July.
The Origin history-maker — he debuted for the Maroons at 18 and remains the series’ youngest player — will maintain ties to the game through his ongoing involvement with the Maroons Foundation.
Ikin was the youngest Origin player when he debuted for the Maroons aged 18
Fox Sports then-presenters Ben Ikin, Mal Meninga, Corey Parker and Gorden Tallis with Brisbane Broncos player Jake Turpin at an NRL launch event. Picture: Jonathan Ng
English (US) · 