CEO of NZ Rugby League, former CEO of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

Overview

Andrea Nelson MNZM is the new Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby League and one of the country's most accomplished sports leaders. With more than 20 years of senior leadership across major global events, governance and commercial strategy, she has delivered or led roles at the London 2012 Olympics, FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and Gymnastics NZ.

Who is Andrea Nelson? Andrea has built her career at the intersection of high-performance sport and large-scale events. She held senior roles at London 2012 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, served as NZ General Manager for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, then as CEO of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022, delivering the tournament during the pandemic to 1.6 billion viewers. She was CEO of Gymnastics NZ before taking the NZRL role in 2026.

Career Highlights • Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby League, appointed 2026 • Former CEO of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, with 1.6 billion viewers • Former CEO of Gymnastics New Zealand • Former NZ General Manager of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup • MNZM and former Chair of the NZ Events Association • Senior roles at London 2012 Olympics and FIFA U-20 World Cup

Key Speaking Themes • Major events, mega event delivery and commercial strategy • Women in sport and the rise of women's mega-events • Leadership in crisis: delivering events through a pandemic • Governance, board leadership and culture • Sport's role in community and social outcomes

What Your Audience Will Gain Andrea is calm, strategic and refreshingly people-first. Audiences leave with sharper insight on leading complex teams, building partnerships and using events to deliver real social and commercial impact.

Ideal For • Sport, events and tourism conferences • Leadership and CEO summits • Women in business and women in sport events • Board and governance forums • Sales, marketing and partnership events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Andrea Nelson speak about? Major event delivery, women in sport, leadership in crisis, governance and the social power of sport.

What is Andrea Nelson's current role? Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby League, appointed in 2026.

What is Andrea Nelson best known for? Leading the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 in NZ, delivering a successful event during the pandemic that reached 1.6 billion viewers.

What other events has Andrea Nelson worked on? The London 2012 Olympics, FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, plus earlier roles in commercial sport.

What honours has Andrea Nelson received? She is a Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to sport.

Is Andrea Nelson available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Andrea is available for keynotes, panels and fireside chats at sport, leadership and women in business events.