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Former Leo Burnett CEO Rob Clarke rejoins Australian Rugby Union in senior marketing role

Rob ClarkeFormer Leo Burnett chief executive Rob Clarke has re-joined the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to oversee sales and marketing, seven years after leaving the organisation.

Clarke, who led Leo Burnett from 1993 to 2002 and was chief operating officer of the ARU from January 2006 to August 2007, has been appointed as professional rugby’s general manager of marketing and operations.

Among the roles for Clarke, who comes to the role having been CEO of the Melbourne Rebels Super XV side, will be improving ticketing and membership for the code, which is facing a fight for publicity with soccer to be the third footballing code in Australia.He will oversee Super Rugby, Australia’s involvement in the Rugby Championship and the new domestic National Rugby Championship. He will also spearhead ticketing and memberships, rugby operations and events for tests and sevens, and marketing.

“Rob has led major advertising companies and is experienced in all aspects of Rugby administration having worked at two Super Rugby clubs and previously at the Australian Rugby Union. We’re delighted to have a person with Rob’s experience join our team,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said.

Clarke is also a former chairman of the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) and held board directorships on a range of public and private companies.

Steve Jones

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