Brian Mahony is to leave the International Triathlon Union next month and will take up the position of Head of Commercial and Marketing with Connacht Rugby on July 26th.
He will replace Alex Saul who has moved to Dublin to take up a similar role with International golf specialists Carr Golf.
Connacht will participate in the Champions’ Cup next season for the first time and are riding the crest of a wave after winning this season’s Guinness Pro12. Hopes are now raised to a higher level than ever before and managing that will be a key part of the role.
The Province faces similar challenges to their three rivals in terms of the player contracts being controlled centrally by the IRFU and intense competition from wealthier clubs in England and France for the talent they develop.
Commercially Connacht has been strong in recent years with over 20 partners on board. Sport for Business understands there will be some changes to the sponsorship roster in 2016 and that will be one of Mahony’s first tasks.
O’Mahony has spent thirteen years in Canada in a variety of leadership positions within the International Triathlon Union. He has been responsible for Global Marketing, TV Rights, Digital and the creation of the World Triathlon Series.
A native of Tipperary he qualified as an aeronautical engineer with a Degree from the University of Limerick in 2002 and spent a year with Boeing before moving into the sports arena.
He was a speaker at the European Sports Tourism Summit at Thomond Stadium in 2015.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Brian’s vast experience coming on board at Connacht Rugby, said Connacht CEO Willie Ruane.
“His background in the sporting industry will be invaluable but he will also bring an innovative approach with his international experience.”
“It’s an exciting but also demanding time in terms of our commercial activity so it’s very timely to have Brian join the team.”
“Joining a club like Connacht Rugby with such a strong culture of excellence both on and off the field is a dream come true,” added Mahony.
“Connacht’s long-term strategic vision, coupled with their professional and passionate players and staff make this a really exciting time to join the club, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of rugby in Connacht at every level.“
