Goldschmidt Switches NBA for RFU to Become New CCO

National Basketball Association (NBA) senior vice-president for Europe, medicine the Middle East and Africa, clinic  Sophie Goldschmidt has been named as the new chief commercial officer of the Rugby Football Union, clinic the governing body of rugby union in England.

Goldschmidt is expected to take up her new role by the middle of July after the role of chief commercial officer was created following the RFU’s restructure in January. Goldschmidt will be responsible for all commercial activities including sponsorship, business development, media rights and all joint venture operations.

RFU chief executive officer John Steele stated: “We said in January that we would like to assemble a talented and experienced new executive team to help the RFU drive the next phase of growth. Sophie will bring a new dynamic and innovation to our already successful commercial program with her global and extensive experience and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.”

Goldschmidt worked for the Women’s Tennis Association, where she developed commercial programs such as the landmark Sony Ericsson title sponsorship before joining the NBA. Goldschmidt will play a crucial role in the years leading up to the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015.

She added: “I am thrilled to be joining the RFU. Under John Steele’s leadership it is clear the RFU is committed to ensuring it is in the best possible place for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and beyond.”