16-09-2024
Inside Rugby's Business: Craig Fenton on NZ Rugby and its growing connections with Japan
Craig Fenton is Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial and joins us to discuss the connection between New Zealand Rugby and Japan. Japan has a long history of supporting New Zealand rugby in ways that are not well known and recently that relationship has seen an uptick in visibility through increased numbers of players and coaches coming to Japan as well as matches between the All Blacks and the Brave Blossoms. Listen in to hear what else is happening in connection with this relationship in the coming months! Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.In this episode you’ll hear:Craig's observations from his recent visit to Japan with the New Zealand Prime MinisterCraig’s full circle moment from the origins of professional rugby in the 90’s to today as CEO of NZ Rugby Commercial, including sitting next to Lionel Ritchie!Parallels between professional rugby and business leadership What sponsorship of a team can and should do for all parties involvedAbout CraigA passion for technology and a curiosity that has taken Craig into a diverse set of interests outside the day job. Professionally, a business leader and entrepreneur who has worked in the technology, media and entertainment industry for 20 years.As Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby Commercial the business of the All Blacks, Black Ferns and other Teams in Black, having previously been the COO at Google in the UK & Ireland. Outside of this, Craig is an author, angel investor and advisor to several start-ups, and founded his own record label and film production company to give creatives from less privileged backgrounds their start in music and film, along with a blockchain services company designed to tackle the emerging issue of securities law compliance. Craig grew up in New Zealand, and is now based, having lived, worked and raised a family in London for 25 years. In 2023, Craig was recognised as UK New Zealander of the Year.LinksAll Blacks Performance labs https://allblacksperformancelabs.com/ Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with JayneConnect with Jayne and CatherineLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan Youtube: