Appointments complete New Zealand Rugby Commercial board

New Zealand Rugby has announced the completion of the organisational structure for its new commercial arm with the appointments of Gina Brogi and Rob Fyfe to its board of directors.

Brogi, a past President of global content distribution for US media group 20th Century Fox, and Fyfe, best known as a former Chief Executive of Air New Zealand, are the final two directors on New Zealand Rugby Commercial’s nine-person board.

NZRC was formed in June after New Zealand Rugby’s long-awaited deal with US investment firm Silver Lake was backed by provincial rugby unions. New Zealand Rugby’s 26 provincial unions voted to accept the Silver Lake offer that had been agreed in February between the union and New Zealand’s Rugby Players Association (NZRPA).

Silver Lake will invest $200 million to acquire a 5.71% in the new entity which will manage New Zealand Rugby’s global commercial rights. The deal valued NZRC at $3.5 billion.

Brogi and Fyfe are both New Zealand Rugby appointed directors, joining New Zealand Rugby Chair Patsy Reddy, who was elected before Christmas, Deputy Chair Bailey Mackey and Chief Executive Mark Robinson on the NZRC board, which is Chaired by Ian Narev.

The NZRC board also includes NZRPA representative, former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, and Silver Lake representatives Simon Patterson and Stephen Evans.

Brogi, a US-born New Zealander holds roles as an independent director for physical and digital fitness company Les Mills International, video-on-demand technology platform SHIFT72 and non-profit environmental protection organisation Earth League International.

Prior to this, she spent over 20 years with 20th Century Fox, serving as president of global content distribution from 2016 to 2019.

Commenting on her new Directorship, she advised “I am passionate about contributing to New Zealand-based businesses that can have an impact and punch above their weight on a global scale.

“I share the country’s passion and pride for our remarkable teams and look forward to working with NZRC to expand our connection with fans worldwide and create sustainable growth.”

Heading Air New Zealand from 2005 to 2012, Fyfe was credited with leading a transformation in the organisation’s strategy, culture and brand positioning as the national carrier became a recognised leader in the global aviation industry during his time at the helm.

Narev went on to say “we are delighted to have two such high calibre people join our board, which is now complete.

“The board has a diverse range of experiences and skills, and a shared passion for New Zealand rugby, and the opportunities ahead, particularly the use of digital technologies and channels to engage and connect with fans around the world.”

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