Hong Kong Rugby Union promotes Robbie McRobbie to CEO
Joshua Lok
30th April 2017
Newly-appointed CEO Robbie McRobbie plans to enact a series of organisational and administrative reforms.
(Photo credit: Hong Kong Rugby Union)
The Hong Kong Rugby Union has announced the elevation of Mr Robbie McRobbie to the Chief Executive Officer role after the departure of outgoing CEO, Mr Vern Reid.
“It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to serve Hong Kong rugby in this role as our rugby community is second to none. We have a great team at the Union and I look forward to working closely with them to drive continued growth in the game across all levels,” said McRobbie.
“I would like to thank Vern for all his support and his tremendous contribution during his tenure; he is leaving a rather large pair of shoes to be filled,” he added.
Outgoing CEO Vern Reid (pictured) has applied his wealth of experience to developing Hong Kong rugby since his appointment in 2013.
(Photo credit: South China Morning Post)
The HKRU paid tribute to Reid, who will return home to Perth after 3½ successful years at the helm.
“Hong Kong Rugby bestowed me with a privileged and unforgettable part in its very special history,” said Mr Reid.
“I am enormously grateful for the opportunity I was given to be the Union’s CEO for the last 3 and a half years. I believe that the Hong Kong Rugby Union is in a very strong position and that our new structure will pave the way for continued growthand development of this great game. I wish Robbie, all of my colleagues at the Union and the entire rugby community every possible success in future,” Mr Reid added.
One of Reid’s final tasks was to assist incoming CEO Robbie McRobbie, the senior leadership team and the Union Board to conduct a comprehensive review of the organisation, which has led to a revised organisational structure focused around three functional pillars: Rugby, Commercial and Financial/Admin.
(Credit: Hong Kong Rugby Union)
Three existing senior managers will take up new roles as head of each of the pillars reporting to the CEO and additionally, the Union has created a number General Manager portfolios under the three heads.
Effective 1 May, Dai Rees takes on the role of the Chief Rugby Operations Officer (CROO) for the HKRU, bearing responsibility for all aspects of the game. He will be supported by three General Managers: Leigh Jones (General Manager for Rugby Performance), Nathan Stewart (General Manager for Rugby Development) and Brandon Huang (General Manager for Rugby Participation).
Rocky Chow assumes the role of Chief Commercial Officer(CCO), supported by Sam Pinder as the General Manager of Sevens . A new role of General Manager of Business Development will be created, with the appointee set to be tasked with developing new revenue streams and growing existing ones.
On the other hand, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) David Greaves will have an enlarged portfolio, which includes Human Resource, support services and facilities.
Lastly, the HKRU’s Medical Department headed by Lucy Clarke will sit as an autonomous unit directly under the CEO, in recognition of the importance of player welfare issues across all areas of rugby business.