World Rugby (www.World.Rugby) has announced the appointment of Richard Heaselgrave as Chief Revenue and Fan Engagement Officer, underscoring the international federation’s mission to advance rugby’s global market footprint and appeal by making it more relevant and accessible in line with its ambitious new strategic plan (https://bit.ly/3h22xbf).
Vastly experienced, with an in-depth knowledge of the global
sports and major brand commercial, marketing and fan-engagement environment,
Heaselgrave will begin his new role in September.
In line with the continued advancement of World Rugby’s
organisational structures to effectively support the key pillars of the
strategic plan, Heaselgrave will have overarching responsibility for all of
World Rugby’s commercial, broadcast, marketing and digital activities to
deliver an integrated revenue and fan growth strategy, including focusing on
new opportunities in the digital space.
With a proven track record in business growth, Heaselgrave
previously served as Chief Revenue and Experience Officer for Tennis Australia,
trebling the Australian Open’s business in five years by converting new revenue
opportunities. Prior to that, he successfully grew revenue for the English
Football League as Chief Commercial Officer and was responsible for growth of
the NBA’s commercial activities in Europe as Vice-President of Business
Development.
Heaselgrave has most recently been advising rights holders,
brands and agencies as founder and Chief Executive of Fourth Consulting.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “In a
rapidly-evolving and highly-competitive sports industry, it’s vital we look at
our businesses differently and find new ways to continue to break new markets,
attract new fans and grow revenues for reinvestment in the sport’s future
growth.
“This new role, as part of a wider advancement of our
organisational structures, reflects that need and perfectly positions World
Rugby not only to exploit new revenue streams for the benefit of the game at
all levels, but to make good our mission to make rugby more attractive and
accessible for more people.
“Richard’s extensive international experience and focus on
revenue growth through diversification and digital innovation will help us
identify and convert new opportunities, while at the same time continuing to
develop our current revenue streams.
“We have built strong teams in the commercial, digital,
broadcast and brand areas in the last three years under Chief Commercial
Officer Tom Hill and departing Chief Marketing Officer Marissa Pace. Richard
will now continue this work with Tom and our talented teams to build on World
Rugby's continued growth in these areas.”
A former professional rugby player with English club
Rotherham, Heaselgrave is looking forward to contributing to an exciting period
of change and growth in the game by helping the sport to realise its commercial
potential across its events, platforms and assets.
Heaselgrave said: “As a lifelong rugby fan I am honoured to
have the chance to join World Rugby. This is such a dynamic time of change in
global sport, with media, digital and experiential worlds evolving so quickly.
I am looking forward to being part of the team as we head into this exciting
new era.”