NBL Appoints Heath O'Loughlin

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League is pleased to announce the appointment of Heath O’Loughlin as General Manager Media, PR and Communications.

O’Loughlin is currently General Manager Digital, Media and Communications with the North Melbourne Football Club where he has worked since 2008 after a successful career as a journalist. He will replace Nick Johnston who has decided to move to a new role outside of sport after four years with the NBL and 12 years in sport.

A leader in the media and digital landscape, O’Loughlin has been instrumental in re-connecting North Melbourne to its fan base and played a vital role in the club’s pitch for an AFLW licence, record membership, broadcasting innovations and player access and the campaign for an annual Good Friday AFL game.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “We are delighted to welcome Heath to the NBL. He is a highly credentialed leader in media, communications and marketing and his skills and experience will be invaluable as we work with our clubs and other key stakeholders to take the NBL to the next level.

“We thank Nick for his fantastic contribution over the past four years. Earned media coverage has increased by over 300 per cent during this period and the profile of the NBL has grown across Australia and around the world. Nick has also played an important role in developing innovations like NBL Indigenous Round, the Throwdown and our new team in Tasmania and we wish him well in his new role.”

O’Loughlin said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to be part of Australia’s fastest growing sporting league. This is a golden era for Australian basketball and it’s been incredible to watch the resurgence of the NBL in recent years.

“With the league set to expand into Tasmania next season, this is an exciting time for the NBL and I look forward to working with all of the clubs, players, media and other key stakeholders to ensure the game continues to go from strength to strength.”