Westpac Stadium Appoints New Chief Executive

1 May 2013

Westpac Stadium Appoints New Chief Executive

An executive who played a key role in the 2011 Rugby World Cup has been appointed Chief Executive of Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. Shane Harmon, who was General Manager Marketing and Communications for Rugby New Zealand 2011, will take over when long standing CEO David Gray retires on 30 June.

Westpac Stadium Chair John Shewan said Mr Harmon had been chosen from an impressive list of over 40 people who had expressed interest in the role.

“Our Board was delighted at the calibre and diversity of applicants for this pivotal position” said Mr Shewan. Shane stood out as having exceptional skills around marketing, strategy, event management, venue negotiations, brand development, ticket sales and fan engagement.

Mr Harmon is currently deputy CEO of the local organising committee for AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015. He has also held positions as general manager marketing for the Australian Rugby Union and as membership and marketing manager for the Australian AFL team, the Sydney Swans.

“I am tremendously excited by the opportunities and challenges this role presents” said Mr Harmon. “Westpac Stadium is a fantastic community asset and is clearly New Zealand’s leading multi- purpose facility”.

“My Family can’t wait to return to live in Wellington, a city we fell in love with over the four years we lived there during RWC 2011”.

Mr Shewan paid tribute to the role David Gray has played in leading the Stadium over the past 16 years.

“David and his team have performed an incredible feat in getting the Stadium from an unlikely and challenging dream to a highly performing venue that is the envy of other cities. It is a superb asset for the region. The upgrade taking place as part of the Master Plan initiated by David will ensure that it remains at the top of the pack”.

ENDS

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