Chris Kinraid and Chris Brown join NZR Executive Team to Drive Growth
New Zealand Rugby has appointed two new executives to its leadership team, reinforcing governance and strategic direction for the sport’s future growth.
Punita Thakur 
Chris Kinraid and Chris Brown join NZR Executive Team to Drive Growth
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the appointment of two new executives, reinforcing its leadership structure as it continues to shape the future of rugby in the country.
Brown is a senior commercial leader with extensive experience in global brand marketing and customer strategy. Most recently, he was the Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s Australia and a member of the global marketing team. He brings extensive experience in brand positioning, advertising, media, sponsorship and digital programs.
Kinraid was previously Chief Executive Officer of Hallenstein Glasson Holdings Limited and prior to that the Group Chief Financial Officer at KMD Brands. He brings deep financial and executive leadership experience and will play a key role in driving the delivery of NZR’s all-of-game strategy.
NZR Interim CEO Steve Lancaster will continue in the role while the Board progresses the CEO appointment process.
The appointments are aimed at strengthening strategic oversight, operational performance, and long-term growth initiatives across all levels of the game.
The new executives will play key roles in advancing NZR’s governance framework, commercial strategy, and community engagement efforts.
As rugby in New Zealand navigates evolving commercial dynamics, player welfare priorities, and global competition structures, strong executive leadership remains central to ensuring sustainable development.
The newly appointed leaders bring experience and expertise aligned with NZR’s commitment to excellence on and off the field. The move reflects NZR’s focus on enhancing organizational capability, driving innovation, and maintaining New Zealand’s position as a global powerhouse in rugby.
With a renewed leadership team in place, NZR aims to continue fostering high-performance pathways, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and delivering long-term value for players, fans, and partners alike.
