Bill Pulver Appointed New CEO of Australian Rugby Union

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have appointed Bill Pulver as their new Chief Executive.

Bill Pulver, the head of linguistics technology company Appen Butler Hill, was named John O’Neill’s successor at the helm of the Australian Rugby Union ahead of a big year for the sport, with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.

ARU chairman Michael Hawker said Pulver’s experience in marketing that included sports and entertainment sponsorship, as well as a devotion to rugby, made him the ideal candidate.

“We wanted someone with proven commercial success at CEO level, with international business experience and a love of rugby,’ said Hawker.

“The board also set priorities around good communication skills and an understanding of the world of sports marketing and media. Bill has all those attributes.”

Pulver said he felt “privileged and excited” to take the job.

“For 20 years I have been a chief executive in a diverse range of industries and now I have the opportunity to focus my efforts on this great game, the game I love.”

He said 2013 would be a momentous year, with 14 Test matches scheduled for the Wallabies including the British and Irish Lions tour, but noted there were also challenges ahead.

“In the short term the challenge for our team in the ARU headquarters is to work with all the game’s stakeholders to ensure rugby in Australia powers forward as a unified and energised force,” he said.

Former ARU Boss John O’Neill resigned in October.