Rob Clarke appointed General Manager Professional Rugby, Marketing & Operations

The Australian Rugby Union today announced RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels CEO Rob Clarke has been appointed to the position of General Manager Professional Rugby, Marketing & Operations.

In this role, Mr Clarke will oversee Super Rugby; Australian Rugby’s involvement in SANZAR; Buildcorp National Rugby Championship; Ticketing & Memberships; Rugby Operations and Events (Tests and Sevens); and Marketing.

Victorian Rugby Union CEO Peter Leahy will expand his current role to assume the role of Melbourne Rebels CEO, in a move that completes the integration of professional and community Rugby in Victoria.

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said Rob Clarke brings extensive experience in business and sports administration to the ARU.

“Rob has led major advertising companies and is experienced in all aspects of Rugby administration having worked at two Super Rugby clubs and previously at the Australian Rugby Union. We’re delighted to have a person with Rob’s experience join our team.”

Key facts about Rob Clarke:

· CEO RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels since April 2013.

· Chief Executive of Brumbies Rugby from 2003-2005, where he led an aggressive restructuring program to transform the Brumbies brand, culminating in winning the Super Rugby competition in 2004.

· Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Rugby Union from 2006-2007.

· Experience in the advertising industry including heading up the Australian and New Zealand business of Bcom3, owners of Leo Burnett, DMB&B and a number of other communications and media companies, where he led more than 500 staff from 18 businesses and oversaw campaigns for household and iconic brands.

· Former Chairman of the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA).

· Has held Board directorships on a range of public and private companies.

· Represented Australia in Schoolboys Rugby in 1981/2.

Mr Clarke will report to ARU CEO Bill Pulver and will join the ARU from early December.