New Zealand CEO to leave role
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson to Step Down, Says “Foundations Are Strong” Despite Financial Challenges
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chief Executive Mark Robinson has announced he will step down at the end of 2025, reaffirming his belief that “the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong.”
Robinson, who took over as CEO in January 2020, became the first former All Black — with nine Test caps between 2000 and 2002 — to lead the organisation, succeeding Steve Tew. Prior to his appointment, Robinson served on NZR’s board for seven years and played a key role in securing the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup bid alongside Dame Farah Palmer.
His tenure has been marked by major challenges, including guiding the sport through the COVID-19 pandemic and securing the landmark investment deal with US private equity firm Silver Lake.
Robinson’s resignation comes shortly after NZR reported a loss of £9.3m for 2024 — the third consecutive year in the red. This was despite record revenue of £136m, up from £128m in 2023, boosted by growth in broadcast, sponsorship and matchday income.
However, heavy investment in NZR’s new media platform, NZR+, and foreign exchange losses on sponsorship revenue contributed to the deficit. NZR has not posted a profit since 2021, when it reported £2.6m. Losses of £4.2m and £22.4m were recorded in 2023 and 2022 respectively.
Part of the 2024 loss was attributed to strategic spending via NZR Commercial (NZRC), the commercial arm created in 2022 following Silver Lake’s entry.
Robinson’s leadership also saw NZR face commercial pressure after Ineos abruptly terminated its sponsorship three years early in February. The two parties reached an out-of-court settlement in April after NZR sued for breach of contract. In response, NZR secured new partnerships with Gallagher Insurance and Toyota to fill the gap left by Ineos.
Explaining his departure, Robinson said he plans to join his wife and three children in Queensland, Australia next year. He reflected:
“The past six years have been a period of rapid change, of unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future.”
He emphasised that his immediate focus is to support the board and oversee a pivotal year for the sport, including backing the Black Ferns in their Rugby World Cup title defence in England and finalising a new financial model for NZ rugby.
Robinson said he was particularly proud of how NZR had bounced back from the pandemic:
“Growing revenue by over 60% annually, getting the Silver Lake deal over the line, and investing more than £28.6m into participants, fans, and stakeholders at that time — we know there’s more to do, but we’ve come a long way.”
The Silver Lake deal has been a cornerstone of Robinson’s tenure. The firm initially invested £95.5m in exchange for a 5.71% stake in NZR Commercial. In December 2023, NZR raised an additional £29.8m from Silver Lake, increasing their stake to 7.5%.
“That was a really important moment for the game,” Robinson added. “We’re now better positioned to connect with fans, boost participation and grow revenue sustainably.”
NZR chair David Kirk praised Robinson’s impact:
“Mark has led significant change during a turbulent era. His leadership through the global pandemic was especially vital. While we understand his decision to relocate to be with his family, he leaves NZR on a strong footing. He will continue leading until the end of the year, and we will now begin the process to appoint his successor.”