Leinster Rugby And IRFU Announces Appointment Of New CEO

Leinster Rugby and the IRFU have this morning announced the appointment of Shane Nolan as CEO of Leinster Rugby, in succession to Mick Dawson who is retiring after 21 years in the role.

Nolan will join Leinster Rugby from Google where he is Managing Director, New Business Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He  has been a member of the Google Ireland Senior Leadership Team since 2017.

He will join Leinster Rugby as CEO in early November. Dawson will continue in his current role until then to manage a seamless transition.

Nolan has extensive experience in successfully leading diverse cross functional senior teams across operations, sales, marketing, public relations and legal.

His experience includes multi-stakeholder management including relationships with Government, regulatory, community and industry groups. He has also held non-executive roles in Plan Ireland, IAB Ireland and Buy4Now Ltd. Prior to joining Google in 2011, he held executive management roles in eircom, BT Plc and Fujitsu.

“We are delighted that Shane will be joining Leinster Rugby as our new CEO,” said Debbie Carty, President of Leinster Rugby.

“A life-long sports enthusiast and active rugby supporter, Shane has an informed appreciation of the game across domestic and professional rugby in Leinster.

“He has a very strong track record as a senior leader of multi-disciplinary functions and teams, and we are excited to have him lead our outstanding team across the organisation through our next stage of development and growth.

“On behalf of all rugby people across the province, I’d like to thank Mick Dawson for his years of leadership and commitment to Leinster Rugby. He is a key architect of the successful development of Leinster Rugby in all its facets and he will leave an enduring legacy when he departs later this year.”

IRFU CEO Kevin Potts commented: “Shane was a stand-out candidate in a very strong field of applicants. Shane’s impressive senior leadership experience, rugby background and passion for the game will provide Leinster Rugby with another great leader following on from the departure of Mick Dawson.

“I look forward to working with Shane in the months and years ahead, and wish him every success as we thank Mick for all that he has done for Leinster and Irish rugby.”

A native of Navan, Co. Meath, Nolan was educated at Castleknock College and NUIG where he captained the 1st XV and represented Connacht Under-20s. He subsequently played for Navan RFC and is a decade-long Leinster Rugby season ticket holder.

Nolan stated: “I am thrilled and honoured to be taking on the role of Leinster Rugby CEO.

“Leinster is a powerhouse in its field, both on and off the pitch, thanks to the brilliant leadership of Mick and all of the outstanding team at Leinster Rugby.

“I am excited to work with everyone in the organisation as we look to embark on the next stage of development and success.”