Restructure Update The New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF) has confirmed an updated leadership structure to ensure it is well positioned to continue standing alongside seriously injured rugby players and their whānau – now and into the future. For VIPs and families, nothing changes. The support provided by the Foundation will continue as normal. The update follows a Board-led strategic review to ensure NZRF remains focused on what it does best: providing immediate support when a serious rugby injury happens and providing ongoing partnership and advocacy. WHAT’S CHANGING: To strengthen alignment with NZRF’s strategic pillars – Support, Champion, and Collaborate – the Foundation is moving to a leadership structure with three senior roles, each with clear responsibility and accountability: • Head of VIP Support & Partnerships: Lisa Kingi-Bon New Zealand Rugby Foundation Updates Leadership Structure to Strengthen Lifelong Support for Seriously Injured Players – responsible for developing and delivering injury Support services, being the primary spokesperson for NZRF and driving the work under the pillars, Collaboration and Championing. • Head of Commercial: Ben Sturmfels – continuing to lead fundraising, partnerships, brand initiatives, and donor stewardship. • Head of Finance & Operations – a new role focused on strengthening financial management, compliance, and governance support. Debrah Breedt joined the team Monday 19 January. NZRF Chair Andrew Golightly said the changes reflect the Board’s commitment to strong governance and future-focused stewardship. “This structure re-confirms our focus on what matters most – standing alongside seriously injured players – while also strengthening the systems, leadership, and accountability required for long-term sustainability. It positions NZRF to continue delivering impact with confidence and clarity.” “We need to ensure we have structures in place to partner with our people forever.” NZRF President Andy Dalton NZRF President Andy Dalton said, “As an organisation, we are mindful that ‘we are all just wearing the jersey’, we need to ensure we have structures in place to partner with our people forever.” The Board also acknowledged the leadership of Lisa Kingi-Bon, who has championed a shared leadership model as part of a sustainable, future-focused approach for the Foundation. NZRF remains deeply committed to its relationships with New Zealand Rugby, and the entire rugby ecosystem, donors, funders, and the media. The Board will continue to review the effectiveness of the updated structure to ensure it delivers the strongest possible outcomes for seriously injured players and the organisation’s future. Debrah Breedt and results-driven leadership, Debrah has a consistent track Debrah Breedt is a forwardthinking CPA qualified finance executive with over 20 years of international experience leading financial strategy, operational transformation, and technology integration across diverse sectors including FMCG, sport governance, telecommunications and retail. Known for her strategic insight record of elevating organizational performance and profitability. Previously, as Head of Finance at Athletics New Zealand and CEO of North Harbour Gymnastics, Debrah was instrumental in aligning financial operations with highperformance organisational goals. She managed complex funding structures, directed IT and asset management, ensured regulatory compliance and governance support. In her spare time Debrah is an avid endurance runner and enjoys spending time in the outdoors. She also has a passion for people and getting involved in the community by volunteering at sporting events, charity fundraising and recently with Victim Support. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY FOUNDATION INC. CC42547 21
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