New CEO appointed at New Zealand Rugby League
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New Zealand Rugby League has confirmed the appointment of Andrea Nelson MNZM as its new Chief Executive.
Nelson has over two decades of senior leadership experience across national and international sport, major global events, governance and commercial strategy.
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Her appointment comes at a time of significant momentum for rugby league in New Zealand – from record participation growth and expanding pathways for wāhine and rangatahi, through to packed stadiums, growing broadcast audiences and continued success on the international stage.
Nelsona has led major international sporting events - as NZ General Manager for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and helped lead the delivery and commercial development of the Oceania Cup, the precursor to the Pacific Championships.
She also held senior leadership roles across some of the world’s largest sporting organisations and events, including the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA U20 World Cup, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Chair NZ Events Association and CEO Gymnastics New Zealand.
New Zealand will head into this year’s Rugby League World Cup campaign with the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Wheel Kiwis teams all strongly positioned on the world stage.
Nelson said returning to rugby league felt like a natural homecoming.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be entrusted with the role of Chief Executive of NZRL.
“Being part of delivering the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Aotearoa was a career highlight. While I’ve continued to work across sport since then, rugby league has always held a special place for me, so this in many ways feels like a homecoming,” she says.
“I am a huge believer in the power of sport to change lives for the better, and that sits at the heart of rugby league’s ‘More Than a Game’ kaupapa. Rugby league’s greatest strength has always been, and always will be, its people, and I look forward to working together to shape the future of the game.”
The appointment follows a sustained period of growth and transformation for rugby league in New Zealand under the leadership of exiting CEO, Greg Peters.