Chief Executive confirmed for The Trusts Stadium, Auckland

Brian Blake has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive for The Trusts Stadium, Auckland

Following an extensive recruitment process, Waitakere City Stadium Trust Chairman, Ross Dallow announced yesterday Blake, the venue’s current Events and Operations Manager, had been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.

Dallow explained “we’re pleased to confirm that having been to market we believe Brian represents the absolute best set of hands to continue to drive the Stadium’s vision and success forward in the future.”

Blake has been with The Trusts Stadium since April 2006 and in his current role was responsible for securing a wide range of entertaining events and balancing these with community/user interests.

His largest contribution to The Trusts Stadium thus far has been the growth in the Stadium’s events schedule. The size and number of events as well as the scope of events has expanded over recent years with the venue now hosting regular international touring music acts, large community events, the LG Mystics trans-tasman netball franchise and having secured a key role in the Rugby World Cup 2011. Brian Blake played a significant part in the Stadium winning the rights and successfully hosting the 2007 World Netball Championships, the recent David Tua clash and world class acts such as Adam Lambert, Prodigy, Paramore and Pendulum in recent months.

Delighted by his appointment, Blake explained, “the Stadium’s in a great place to build on our successes to date with a growing fitness centre, expanding range of events and increasing numbers of community users. I’m looking forward to leading that growth and developing the Stadium further in the coming years to increase our returns to the community and the wider Auckland region.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Simon Wickham noted “Brian without doubt has been one of our best recruits over the years and has made a big impact as Events and Operations Manager, this next step will ensure the Stadium continues to develop, I’m delighted the Board has recognised his contribution to date and the impact he will have going forward.”

Brian Blake takes on his new role at The Trusts Stadium on 8th November with Wickham handing over the role between then and his departure in early December.

Recruitment for a new Events and Operations Manager will start immediately