New Zealand Rugby League today announces the appointment of Andrea Nelson MNZM as its new Chief Executive, ushering in a new chapter for one of the most iconic sporting organisations in Aotearoa.
Nelson brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across national and international sport, major global events, governance and commercial strategy.
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.
NZRL Chair Justin Leydesdorff, says the appointment panel were thrilled by the calibre of candidates for the role.
Nelson stood out as an exceptional leader with both world-class experience and a genuine connection to the game and its communities.
"Andrea brings an incredibly rare combination of strategic leadership, operational delivery and authentic passion for rugby league," Leydesdorff said.
"She's worked at the highest levels of governance and commercial sport, and understands what it takes to grow organisations in complex environments. But equally as important to the code, she demonstrated a deep understanding of community sport and people.
"We wanted a leader who could sit across the table from the biggest decision-makers in international rugby league, but who would also happily pick up a tea towel at a local club on the East Coast. Andrea is that person."
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Nelson 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," Nelson said.
"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.
"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.
