Nelson, who replaces Greg Peters, who stepped down after eight years, has a long history with the sport, having served as the New Zealand general manager for the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
She also held senior leadership roles across some of the world’s largest sporting organisations and events, including the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, Fifa U20 World Cup and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. She has also been the chairwoman of the New Zealand Events Association and CEO of Gymnastics New Zealand.
Nelson said she was ‘‘thrilled and honoured’’ to be appointed.
‘‘Being part of delivering the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Aotearoa was a career highlight. While I’ve continued to work across sport since then, rugby league has always held a special place for me, so this in many ways feels like a homecoming.’’
NZRL chairman Justin Leydesdorff said they were thrilled at the calibre of candidates, but Nelson stood out as an exceptional leader with experience and connection.
“Andrea brings an incredibly rare combination of strategic leadership, operational delivery and authentic passion for rugby league,’’ Leydesdorff said.
“We wanted a leader who could sit across the table from the biggest decision-makers in international rugby league, but who would also happily pick up a tea towel at a local club on the East Coast.’’ — Allied Media
