Chief Executive Officer

We’re looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in business, events or entertainment, a sharp focus on fans & customers, and a proven ability to drive growth. ABOUT THE BLUES: The Blues are a Professional Rugby team based in Auckland, New Zealand that compete in the Super Rugby Pacific (Men’s) and Super Rugby Aupiki (Women’s) competitions. They are one of the most successful teams in Super Rugby history, having won the competition in its first two seasons, 1996 and 1997, and again in 2003 and 2024. The purpose of the Blues is to create Blue Pride throughout the region.

They strive to bring this to life through their mindset that; people matter, connections matter and performance matters. ROLE SUMMARY: Reporting to the Board, the CEO will be responsible for elevating the Blues brand nationally and globally, building sustainable commercial partnerships, and ensuring the organisation’s strategic goals are achieved. Central to this role is maintaining a world-class high-performance rugby programme that delivers strong results for both fans and shareholders.

You will lead the continued evolution of the Blues’ strategy, grow the portfolio of commercial partners, and maximise media and brand opportunities to increase reach, engagement, and match day revenue. A key priority will be enhancing the match day and overall fan experience, driving a more fan-centric, customer-focused approach both within the Blues and across the wider rugby system.

As a senior leader in New Zealand rugby, you will provide vision and leadership for the sport in the region, represent the Blues with distinction on domestic and international stages, and ensure compliance with all obligations under the Licence Agreement with New Zealand Rugby. ABOUT YOU: Proven senior experience in a customer focused commercial brand within the private sector or in a similar sized business within events or entertainment in NZ or abroad. Strong commercial acumen with a successful track record for delivering innovative growth and commercial development strategies.

Deep understanding of best practice principals in brand, product development, marketing, digital/online, and consumer experience. Ability to challenge status quo through the development of new ideas and initiatives. An accomplished people leader with a proven ability to develop highly engaged teams and a performance orientated culture that delivers superior performance. Proven financial, margin management commercial capabilities including a track record of successful P&L management. Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation abilities, including a track record of building strong relationships and a proven ability to engage external customers.

A strong working knowledge of professional sport and a passion for Rugby is preferred. Lead one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting brands, driving a fan-first strategy that delivers long-term sustainability, commercial success, and high performance both on and off the field! APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Tuesday 26th August 2025Global Elite Sports (www. globalelitesports. com) have been contracted exclusively on behalf of The Blues to undertake this executive search assignment.