Blues continue overhaul with new chair appointment

Highly respected sports director Don Mackinnon is the new Independent Chair of the Board of the Blues Super Rugby club.

Mr Mackinnon takes over from Tony Carter, who has been in the role since the Blues became a standalone organisation in 2013. Mr Carter, who announced his intention to stand down in the middle of 2018 season, has remained on as the interim Chairman to guide the organisation through the change of shareholding late last year.

“With the new Board in place and working well now is the right time to complete the transition to a new Chairperson” said Mr Carter.

Mr Mackinnon is highly respected in the sports industry, currently a Director of New Zealand Cricket and Chair of its High Performance Committee and also Chairs the Integrity Vetting Panel for International Athletics. He has been a Director of Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand and Netball New Zealand. He was also Chair of Netball New Zealand.

He is a partner at SBM Legal and a specialist in employment law and industrial relations. Mr Mackinnon is a passionate supporter of rugby having previously played and coached in the Auckland and North Harbour regions.

Mr Mackinnon said “I’m honoured and excited to be taking on this role at such an important time in the Club’s development. There’s a real sense that rugby in the Blues Region is starting to head in the right direction and I’m keen to do all I can to assist that progress. There’s a lot of work ahead but it’s an exciting time to come onboard.”

Mackinnon also thanked Mr Carter for his outstanding leadership over the last five years.

The Independent Chair is appointed by the Blues shareholders.

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