John Lee has been appointed as the new Sydney Roosters’ chief executive after defecting from arch rivals South Sydney.

Lee will take over from the much-respected Brian Canavan who left Bondi last month to move to the Gold Coast with the Titans.

Former Sydney Buses boss Lee lasted just over a year at Redfern.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis welcomed the acquisition of Lee.

“Following the recent departure of Brian Canavan, we took the opportunity to reassess the structure of our organisation, and there is no doubt that John is the best candidate to lead our club and take our business forward,” Politis said.

Lee’s future at the Rabbitohs had been the source of much speculation since former chief executive Shane Richardson returned to Souths from the NRL last month to fill the role of general manager of football.

“It is a privilege to join the Sydney Roosters,” Lee said.

“They are a foundation club with a strong roster, talented coach, professional board and a well-run back office.”

Lee begins on March 1 with the Roosters.