Rugby Australia has taken the next step in its search for a permanent CEO, appointing recruiting firm Hattonneale to conduct the process.
Rob Clarke took over as interim CEO last month and openly flagged his intent to stay for only a maximum of six months as the organisation navigates its way through challenging times.
Hattonneale has placed executives in a number of organisations in Australia including Nine, Cricket Australia, NSW Rugby and the Melbourne Rebels.
Managing director Jane Neale will lead the search along with Ian smith.
Incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and current board members Pip Marlow, Dan Herbert and Phil Waugh will form a sub committee to take the lead on the process going forward as well.
“The board is pleased to appoint Hattonneale to lead the search for the next Chief Executive of Rugby Australia," McLennan said in a statement on Friday morning.
“This is one of the premier sports administration roles in the country and we are looking for an individual with strong commercial acumen and the ability to innovate and work with our member unions to take the organisation and the game to the next level.
“Hattonneale have a strong track record in delivering quality executives to some of the largest and most successful organisations here and in New Zealand, and have worked with a number of organisations in rugby and across a range of other major sports.
“A board committee will be established where I will work alongside Pip Marlow, Dan Herbert, and Phil Waugh to run a full and proper process on behalf of the board in accordance with good governance.
“It is vitally important, now more than ever, that we leave no stone unturned to find the right person to lead Rugby Australia as we begin the process of rebuilding the game in a post-pandemic world.”
