NZ Rugby Foundation

Lisa Kingi-Bon - CEO

Lisa Kingi-Bon was appointed Chief Executive in 2012.

She is passionate about people and sports and is an experienced global rugby administrator.

Lisa has held management positions in two of the world’s leading rugby powerhouses – South Africa and New Zealand.

Lisa has worked across all levels of the game spanning five Rugby World Cup tournaments – international and national teams; provincial unions; clubs, schools and referees.

In 2011, Lisa was head of VIP for the RWC tournament in 2011. Leading a team of employees and volunteers the role included creating and delivering an extensive programme for global rugby guests, heads of states and royalty. Between 2001-2007 she managed New Zealand Rugby events and, before that, was head of public relations and events for South African Rugby.

Her governance roles include as a Board Member of the King Country Rugby Union (2008-2009) and, in 2019, Lisa was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Mt Roskill Grammar, one of Auckland’s largest, most diverse secondary schools. She also volunteered for the Board of Susu Mama’s whilst living in Papua New Guinea, a charity focused on women and baby health. Lisa was nominated as member of the NZ Barbarians RFC in 2020.

“I respect sport as a powerful social catalyst. In our current world it is even more vital that sport remains relevant. It is a powerful tool in our fast-moving world and a healthy leveller. “ After RWC 2011 I did not think I would ever love a role as much. I love this role about ten times more.”

64 9 6237980. [email protected]. linkedin.com/lisa Kingi-Bon.

Ben Sturmfels - Head of Fundraising and Partnership

A solution seeker with a reputation for adroitly mixing strategic intent with a ‘hands-on, can-do’ attitude and relationship focus.

Ben’s financial and commercial acumen has been crucial to the Foundation since he joined in 2009 to maximise revenue generation and drive all commercial initiatives with a strong 'money in' focus. Responsible for developing and delivering our suite of fundraising programs Ben's enthusiasm to 'try new angles' of stakeholder engagment continues to secure more engaged partnerships.

Having played, coached, managed, referred and commentated rugby since age 6 Ben's love of the game and natural empathy in giving back saw him inducted as a member of NZ Barbarians RFC in 2021.

Former management roles in the construction and maritime industries enhanced Ben’s leadership skills and developed expertise in relationship-building and partnership management.

+64 21 1441148. [email protected] linkedin.com/Ben Sturmfels