Avan Lee. PICTURE/Michael Cunningham
The Hurricanes have appointed Avan Lee to take over as chief executive from James Te Puni.
Lee is presently World Rugby's general manager of sevens but will finish his Ireland-based role next month and return to New Zealand to take up the new position.
Having grown up in Whangarei, Lee
previously worked at the Northland Rugby Union (2006-2007) and New Zealand Rugby (2007-2012), before spending the last three years in Ireland with World Rugby.
"The Hurricanes chief executive position is the one role I would have moved home for," the 41-year-old said. "I have a strong desire to lead the Hurricanes forward, and that includes balancing the commercial imperatives of professional sport with player welfare, to ensure the club continues to perform at a high standard."
Te Puni will remain in the role until the end of the Super Rugby season.
