David Collier appointed as RLIF chief executive
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has appointed a new chief executive, in the shape of David Collier OBE.
Collier’s role begins on April 1, and he will be based in London.
The new CEO is a graduate of Loughborough University, where he read Sports Science and Recreation Management.
He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2014 by Loughborough for his services to sport. He completed his studies in managing multi-national corporations at Insead Paris and Wharton Business School in the United States.
“RLIF is delighted to have appointed a CEO with 30 years’ experience of leading a number of the world’s leading sports organisations,” said Nigel, Wood, the chairman of the RLIF.
“David has the highest reputation in the world of sport, and brings a wealth of international experience as RLIF seeks to build upon the success of the 2013 World Cup, and the exciting prospects for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2017.
“The board were unanimous in their decision to appoint David and we look forward to working with our new CEO to ensure the success of the global expansion of our sport.”
Collier has previously served on two sport’s world governing bodies, the International Cricket Council and the International Hockey Federation.
He was also a tournament director at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.
Outside of sport, Collier has executive management experience in the airline and computer systems industrie, which included responsibility for operations in 103 countries.
For the past 10 years he has served as the CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board, where he was apprently instrumental in transforming the finances and structure of the sport.
He is looking forward to helping rugby league develop its international dimension even further.
“I am honoured by the opportunity to lead RLIF and the sport of rugby league,” he said.
“And thank the Chairman and the Board for their trust in me.
My first priority will be to meet with the broadest possible range of stakeholders, to develop and commence delivery of our strategic plan and to create an international calendar which reflects the strength of our club competitions throughout the world, and the success of the World Cup.
“Rugby league is one of the most exciting sports in the world and the enthusiasm of the crowds and television audiences at the recent World Cup demonstrates the great opportunity which we have to further expand and develop our sport.”