Rugby Australia is pleased to announce three new appointments to its Executive team as the organisation embarks on an exciting new era for the game in this country.
Following an extensive recruitment process, Rugby Australia has been able to secure the services of highly experienced executives Peter Conde to the role of Chief Performance Officer, Marissa Pace as Chief Marketing Officer and James Durbin as Chief Commercial Officer.
Peter Conde, a former elite sailor who returned to sport in a high-performance role following an extensive business career as a strategy consultant, Peter Conde comes to Rugby Australia following more than a decade working in elite sport as Performance Director of Australian Sailing and the Director and CEO of the Australian Institute of Sport.
Marissa Pace, joins Rugby Australia with extensive knowledge of the sport, having spent the last three years as CMO with World Rugby. She also has more than 15 years' experience in the sports industry and is an internationally recognised marketing and broadcast executive that has worked in Formula One, NFL, NASCAR and the PGA.
James Durbin joins Rugby Australia with 20 years' experience in the sports industry, most recently as CEO of Madison Sports Group in London, UK. Having commenced his career in Australia in Rugby, firstly with NSW Suburban Rugby Union and then as the General Manager of Eastwood Rugby Union, James then moved to the UK, where he has worked as Commercial Director with the London Irish and as CEO of Powerboat P1 and Madison Sports Group.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: "I am pleased to be able confirm these significant appointments to my Executive team as we embrace an exciting new era for Rugby in this country.
"Marissa, James and Peter all join Rugby Australia with exceptional qualifications. They are industry leaders and I am excited to work with them as we deliver a huge year for the game in 2022 and prepare for a number of significant, game-defining moments over the coming years.
"We have a number of strategic projects earmarked for 2022 where our new executives along with my existing team will play a critical role in how we structure and prepare ourselves to capitalise on this exciting decade of significant international rugby opportunities in this country both on and off the field.
"The 2022 season is already off to a great start and the Rugby calendar is brimming with exciting action this year, with the inaugural season of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific, an expanded Buildcorp Super W, a highly anticipated inbound Test series against England, the Commonwealth Games and RWC Sevens, Women's Rugby World Cup and the potential to be confirmed as hosts for the 2027 Rugby World Cup all on the horizon - among many other things."
