Basketball Ireland has announced that Bruce Wood is to become its new Head of Commercial and Brand.
The New Zealand-born Wood has extensive marketing and commercial experience in the sporting industry, including partnerships with several National Governing Bodies, such as the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland.
He started his new role on Tuesday and joins Basketball Ireland from JACC Sports Distributors, an Irish-based company he’d been with for nearly eight years, as their Country Manager and Head of Brand in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Wood, who is a former rugby player, has also worked with a variety of high-profile sporting organisations in Ireland, including the IRFU, FAI, Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby, Munster Rugby, Ulster Rugby and Dublin GAA.
“I am thrilled to be joining Basketball Ireland, an organisation with huge scope for commercial growth,” he said.”
“I’ve been involved in the Irish sporting landscape for nearly two decades since I moved to Ireland and I bring an extensive network to the role.”
“I’ve worked with global brands such as Canterbury, Nike Team, Umbro, BLK Sport, UA Team and New Era and engaged with a huge variety of NGBs and sporting organisations, negotiating commercial partnerships and developing brand strategies.”
“I am looking forward to working with John Feehan and the wider Basketball Ireland team to achieve its goals.”
“Bruce will be a real asset to Basketball Ireland, added Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan.
“He brings a wealth of commercial and brand experience to the table.”
“Basketball Ireland has ambitious growth plans, both on and off the court, and this appointment is a signal of our intent. Basketball is Ireland’s number one indoor sport and it’s our firm intention to make further inroads towards the so-called ‘Big-Three’ and Bruce will help us achieve our goals.”
