National Football League (NFL) team Seattle Seahawks has promoted Zach Hensley to vice president of operations and general manager of Lumen Field.
Hensley (pictured left) was previously the team’s vice president of venue operations and guest experience. He has more than 20 years of industry experience in stadium operations, hospitality, and customer service.
Prior to joining the Seahawks in 2015, Hensley provided venue support and guidance for numerous sports and entertainment entities and events, including the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.
The change is part of a managerial overhaul at the team, with several executives now taking vice presidential positions.
Team president Chuck Arnold said: “As we emerge from the pandemic and work toward creating a stronger and more diverse leadership team, I’m excited to make these changes to further strengthen the Seahawks front office. Our newly appointed vice presidents have each been an integral part of our front office staff over the years and will offer a unique, fresh perspective and a deep understanding of our business as we strive for continued excellence both on and off the field.”
John Sharkey will depart as executive vice-president in Europe at venue and event management company ASM Global, it has been announced.
Sharkey will leave ASM in December to pursue new career options. He joined the company in September 2014 and has been responsible for existing business operations in Europe, as well as spearheading business development ambitions for the group in Europe and Asia.
Sharkey said: “The events of the last year have been profound across the world and the pandemic has caused me to reflect and decide on a change of direction in my career.”
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Nick Hockley has become Cricket Australia’s (CA) chief executive officer after serving in the role on an interim basis.
The Englishman had been leading the organisation since last June, having previously held roles leading the T20 World Cup 2020 Local Organising Committee, and at the 2015 Cricket World Cup and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Earl Eddings, CA chair, said: “I firmly believe Nick will be regarded among the very best of them and carry on their legacy of ensuring cricket is a sport for all Australians.”
Stewart Mitchell has been appointed chair of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), succeeding Brent Impey, who stepped down after seven years in the role.
A business consultant with over 30 years’ experience in governance, Mitchell joined the NZR Board in 2014 after sitting on the Crusaders Super Rugby club board since 2008 and serving as chair of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union.
Farah Palmer (pictured centre) has become NZR’s deputy chair. She was appointed as the first woman board director of New Zealand Rugby in 2016 and is on the RWC 2021 committee.
Mitchell said: “New Zealand Rugby sits at a critical juncture and I am excited at the opportunity to lead rugby into a new era alongside Farah, who will be an outstanding deputy. Our game faces multiple challenges from the community game to the professional ranks and I can’t wait to address those challenges head on.
“It is an exciting and challenging time to be involved. I believe we have a unique opportunity to re-imagine rugby and to lead the world and innovate on and off the field. I’d like to acknowledge Brent [Impey] for his contribution to the Board, and personally for his support over the years.”
FIFA has announced the appointment of Dave Beeche (pictured right) as the new chief executive officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand.
Beeche will lead the overall delivery of the tournament together with the chief operating officers Jane Fernandez and Jane Patterson.
Originally from New Zealand, Beeche has an accomplished track record as a CEO in both Australia and New Zealand, with over 15 years’ experience leading high-profile commercial and non-profit organisations in the sports, events and tourism sectors.
He said: “I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the delivery of such a significant tournament, especially at a time when there is so much focus globally on the development of women’s sport and, more broadly, the empowerment of women.
“I look forward to working with both member associations and the host cities to not only deliver an outstanding tournament that showcases the world-class talent in women’s football, but leave a lasting positive legacy for women’s sport.”
Oscar Mayo has become the new executive general director of Spain’s LaLiga, with the role of carrying out the strategy set by executive president of Javier Thebes.
Mayo was previously in charge of directing LaLiga’s department of business, marketing and international development.
