Martin Anayi is to be the new Managing Director of Pro12 Rugby. The current Managing Director of the FIA World Rallycross Championships will take up the position in Dublin in October.
During his time in Motorsport, Anayi was responsible for negotiating the long-term rights for the sport of rallycross with the FIA, and thereafter transforming the FIA European Rallycross Championship into one of only 5 full FIA World Championships.
The regard in which he is held is reflected in the nomination of Rallycross for Governing Body of the year at this year’s BT Sport Sports Industry Awards.
Anayi began his career within the legal profession, joining the international sports management group IMG in 2008 from London law firm Pennington’s.
Within IMG’s legal team Martin was responsible for the company’s Events and Federations business where he acted as the commercial lawyer on the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Transitioning into a commercial role, Martin then headed up IMG’s Motorsport Client business before he became Vice President and MD of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
He has a rugby playing background having represented London Irish at U21 level and London Welsh in the back row for six years until 2009. He retired from playing in 2011
“We are delighted with the appointment of Martin Anayi as MD of the Guinness PRO12,” said Gerald Davies, Chairman of Pro12 Rugby speaking on news of the appointment.
“This is a new position, which reflects a significant advance in what the Board sees as the exciting future of the tournament. The Board went through a thorough process across all countries. We believe that Martin, with his legal, commercial and sporting experience has the energy, enthusiasm and vision to drive forward and to fulfill the potential of the PRO12.”
“There is much major progress to anticipate. The platform is set after the terrific final few weeks of last year’s competition, culminating in a wonderful final spectacle at the neutral venue in Belfast.”
“With Martin at the helm the PRO12 Board are confident the cross-border tournament involving the three Celtic nations and Italy is ready to set higher standards of attractive European competition.”
“We are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Martin and I look forward to working with him in the future and bringing the PRO12 to the next level,” added John Feehan, CEO of the group that comprises the RBS 6 Nations, the British and Irish Lions and Pro 12 Rugby.
This is the second major appointment within the Group following the stepping up of Charlie McEwan to become Commercial Director of the Lions in June.
“I believe the Guinness PRO12 has a unique opportunity to build an exciting platform within world rugby, and I would like to thank both Gerald Davies and the PRO12 Board for sharing my ambitious vision for what can be done with the tournament,” said Anayi.
“In essence, that largely means building on the excellent framework that the existing team under the guidance of John Feehan and David Jordan have created to date.”
“We have excellent partners at Guinness, Rhino and Specsavers as well as our outstanding media partners led by Sky Sports; BBC Alba, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales; S4C; TG4 and Rai sport. I look forward to delivering a product that they are proud to associate their brands with.”
“I very much look forward to working closely with John, Gerald and the Board to deliver the next exciting chapter in the Guinness PRO12.”
“Our shared belief is that the PRO12 has the potential to be the most compelling, innovative and competitive club competition in world rugby and I am excited to see how we can work with the stakeholders to achieve that aim over the coming years.”
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