New Zealand Rugby names former All Black as new Chief Executive

September 10, 2019

Sport /

Former All Black, New Zealand Rugby director, World Rugby Councillor and businessman Mark Robinson has been appointed the new Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby.

Following an intense recruitment process over the past two months, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board Chair Brent Impey yesterday announced Robinson’s appointment.

Robinson, aged 45, officially takes up his new role in early January 2020, taking over from outgoing postholder Steve Tew, who announced that he was standing down from the role back in June.

Commenting on the appointment, Impey stated “we are delighted that Mark has put his hand up for this role. He has been an incredibly insightful director on the Board, and at the international rugby table, he has been a sound and respected voice.

“This is a very exciting time as Mark starts to transition into the role, working closely with Steve at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“Mark will vacate his seat on the Board when he officially starts, and his appointment also creates an extra seat on the World Rugby Council which we will consider in due course.

“We were impressed with the internal and external applicants for this role. Steve Tew leaves behind some big shoes to fill, and Mark is more than capable of marking his own footprints.

“With fans consuming rugby in so many interesting and modern ways, with the future of our international competitions still being shaped, the evolution of the women’s game towards professionalism, the on and off field success of the All Blacks and the prospect of a new All Blacks Coach - there’s never been a more perfect time for a new CEO to start.

“We congratulate Mark and Nova and welcome them again, to the New Zealand Rugby family.

Welcoming his appointment, Robinson added “I have really enjoyed my roles on the Board and at World Rugby but I am truly excited by what this opportunity offers. I have a clear vision to continue to grow the great work already established under Steve’s watch and recognise the significant responsibility we have in ensuring our game continues to flourish at all levels.

“With 160 staff based around the country, world leading teams and competitions that traverse the entire calendar, I am humbled that the Board believe I can help add to our legacy.

“There are some amazingly gifted, talented and hardworking people in and around New Zealand Rugby, and I am honoured to be given an opportunity to lead some of the best people in the world, in their field.

“There are exciting challenges ahead for rugby, and I look forward to working with the Board and the entire team at New Zealand Rugby, to keep New Zealand Rugby at the front of hearts and minds of New Zealanders and black team fans all over the world.”

Mark Robinson - All Black #996
Mark Robinson was elected to the New Zealand Rugby Board in 2013 and has been the NZR Board delegate to World Rugby since 2014. A former player in the amateur and professional era, the former All Black (nine tests between 2000 and 2002) also played in the United Kingdom and Japan. Upon finishing his rugby career, Mark became Chief Executive of Taranaki Rugby from 2007 to 2012 and he is currently working in consultancy in the areas of education, environment, energy and agriculture.

He holds degrees from the universities of Victoria (Wellington) and Cambridge.

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7th June 2019 - Steve Tew to leave New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive role

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4th April 2019 - Super Rugby’s Crusaders to review name and branding after Christchurch massacre

2nd April 2019 - New Zealand Rugby partners with Oceania Rugby to deliver rugby programmes in the Pacific region

7th February 2019 - 2019 Rugby World Cup approaches sell-out

16th November 2018 - New Zealand secures 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup hosting

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