The Hurricanes have appointed Avan Lee to take over as chief executive from James Te Puni.
Lee is presently World Rugby's general manager of sevens but will finish his Ireland-based role next month and return to New Zealand to take up the new position.
Having grown up in Whangarei, Lee previously worked at the Northland Rugby Union (2006-2007) and New Zealand Rugby (2007-2012), before spending the last three years in Ireland with World Rugby.
"The Hurricanes chief executive position is the one role I would have moved home for," the 41-year-old said. "I have a strong desire to lead the Hurricanes forward, and that includes balancing the commercial imperatives of professional sport with player welfare, to ensure the club continues to perform at a high standard."
Te Puni will remain in the role until the end of the Super Rugby season.
