Bold shift underway at New Zealand Rugby: two senior executives named for 2026 and beyond.
Chris Kinraid will take the helm as Chief Financial Officer, while Chris Brown will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer.
Brown arrives as a seasoned commercial leader with broad experience in global brand marketing and customer strategy. Most recently, he served as Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Australia, and was part of the company’s global marketing team. His track record spans brand positioning, advertising, media, sponsorship, and digital programs, bringing a strong, holistic view of how to grow and engage audiences.
Kinraid brings deep financial and leadership expertise. He previously led Hallenstein Glasson Holdings Limited as Chief Executive Officer and served as Group Chief Financial Officer at KMD Brands. His background positions him to guide NZR’s financial discipline and contribute to delivering the all-of-game strategy.
Interim NZR CEO Steve Lancaster will remain in place as the Board continues the CEO selection process.
Commentary on momentum: new executives were chosen after a competitive search with strong candidates from both New Zealand and international markets. The Board believes these appointments will strengthen NZR’s executive capability, supporting a growing, profitable organisation.
Over the past year, NZR has unified under a single CEO and a refreshed executive team. This consolidation, paired with a sharpened strategy, has driven greater efficiency, collaboration, and accountability. The CEO role is now being filled with careful consideration to ensure the right long-term fit.
Steve Lancaster is recognized for his solid leadership during a transitional period, with a deep understanding of rugby—from grassroots communities to elite performance. He has the Board’s full support as he continues in the role.
Both Brown and Kinraid will join NZR’s Executive team by the end of February.
Controversial angle to consider: some readers may question whether external hires or promotions from within the rugby ecosystem deliver faster results versus long-term cultural alignment. How do you weigh fresh, outside perspectives against deep institutional knowledge when guiding a sport’s growth? Share your thoughts in the comments.
