12-15-2016, 04:16 PM
Martin Snedden steps down as chief executive of Duco Events
Chief executive Martin Snedden is leaving Duco Events.
Martin Snedden is stepping down as head of Duco Events with the promotions company and respected administrator insisting the split is amicable.
The former Black Caps bowler, who headed New Zealand Cricket, Tourism New Zealand and the 2011 Rugby World Cup hosting in New Zealand, has been with Duco for two years as CEO.
He made his announcement to staff on Tuesday, just days after the company oversaw heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker's WBO title win in Auckland.
"Joseph's win over Andy Ruiz last Saturday night nicely bookends my two years at Duco Events," Snedden, 58, said in a statement on Thursday.
"When I started working with David Higgins and Dean Lonergan in 2014, the objectives were to move Joseph from a boxing ranking outside the top 15 to a world championship title.
"We wanted to break into boxing promotion in Australia, while also delivering an NRL Nines event which showcased the sport and Auckland City.
"I leave Duco next week knowing those objectives have been fully or substantially achieved."
Duco founder David Higgins told Fairfax: "It's perfectly amicable, there's no conspiracy, no bad feeling. It's just a meeting of minds ... he wishes us well and we wish him well.
"CEOs are project-based these days ... they go into a job with a certain goals in mind and once those goals are achieved they will move into another position. It's about making your life interesting I suppose.
"Both parties are very happy and looking forward to the future."
Higgins said Snedden's achievements at an international level spoke for themselves and his time at Duco had added to that.
Snedden, a qualified lawyer, finishes up on December 23, saying he had learned "an enormous amount" working in the promotions game.
"Seeing first hand, the creativity, drive, willingness to break new ground, and determination to succeed amongst a small group of staff is something to behold," Snedden said.
"They have given me some amazing experiences and we part on great terms."
Snedden's arrival at Duco raised eyebrows at the time, given his long and successful service to more traditional sporting organisations. He added further credibility to a company known to push the boundaries through their "think big" attitude.
Duco co-owner Dean Lonergan said Snedden leaves Duco Events in its strongest position.
"Martin has all our best wishes as he seeks new challenges. However, it will be 'business as normal' for Duco in 2017," Lonergan said.
Duco have restructured their top team heading forward.
"The nature of Duco will be changing. The developments with boxers Jeff Horn and Joseph Parker mean we are going to become a more global business. We are looking forward to a new chapter," Higgins said.
Higgins will continue his role overseeing the Brisbane Global Rugby 10s which debuts early next year, and a new role in the ongoing development of Parker.
That's a big assignment in itself with careful planning required to maximise Parker's value as one of the four holders of world heavyweight belts.
After almost four years of investment in Parker, Duco will be eager to cash in on the 24-year-old's new status with the plan to try to unify the glamour division.
Lonergan will now oversee the NRL Auckland Nines and focus his energies on growing boxing in Australia where Duco have world-ranked Aussie welterweight Horn on their books.
Duco last week confirmed a formal partnership with American boxing promoter Bob Arum and his Top Rank company that will open doors in the United States and around the world.
Higgins said they were in "no hurry" to replace Snedden with the holiday period looming.
"In the new year we will sit down and decide what's best when we have a better idea where our events will be in the world and what our schedule looks like."
Snedden, a former director of the International Cricket Council, won't be idle - he is currently a director of both New Zealand Cricket and Auckland World Masters Games 2017, as well as chairing Heart of the City, Auckland CBD's business association.
- Stuff
Chief executive Martin Snedden is leaving Duco Events.
Martin Snedden is stepping down as head of Duco Events with the promotions company and respected administrator insisting the split is amicable.
The former Black Caps bowler, who headed New Zealand Cricket, Tourism New Zealand and the 2011 Rugby World Cup hosting in New Zealand, has been with Duco for two years as CEO.
He made his announcement to staff on Tuesday, just days after the company oversaw heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker's WBO title win in Auckland.
"Joseph's win over Andy Ruiz last Saturday night nicely bookends my two years at Duco Events," Snedden, 58, said in a statement on Thursday.
"When I started working with David Higgins and Dean Lonergan in 2014, the objectives were to move Joseph from a boxing ranking outside the top 15 to a world championship title.
"We wanted to break into boxing promotion in Australia, while also delivering an NRL Nines event which showcased the sport and Auckland City.
"I leave Duco next week knowing those objectives have been fully or substantially achieved."
Duco founder David Higgins told Fairfax: "It's perfectly amicable, there's no conspiracy, no bad feeling. It's just a meeting of minds ... he wishes us well and we wish him well.
"CEOs are project-based these days ... they go into a job with a certain goals in mind and once those goals are achieved they will move into another position. It's about making your life interesting I suppose.
"Both parties are very happy and looking forward to the future."
Higgins said Snedden's achievements at an international level spoke for themselves and his time at Duco had added to that.
Snedden, a qualified lawyer, finishes up on December 23, saying he had learned "an enormous amount" working in the promotions game.
"Seeing first hand, the creativity, drive, willingness to break new ground, and determination to succeed amongst a small group of staff is something to behold," Snedden said.
"They have given me some amazing experiences and we part on great terms."
Snedden's arrival at Duco raised eyebrows at the time, given his long and successful service to more traditional sporting organisations. He added further credibility to a company known to push the boundaries through their "think big" attitude.
Duco co-owner Dean Lonergan said Snedden leaves Duco Events in its strongest position.
"Martin has all our best wishes as he seeks new challenges. However, it will be 'business as normal' for Duco in 2017," Lonergan said.
Duco have restructured their top team heading forward.
"The nature of Duco will be changing. The developments with boxers Jeff Horn and Joseph Parker mean we are going to become a more global business. We are looking forward to a new chapter," Higgins said.
Higgins will continue his role overseeing the Brisbane Global Rugby 10s which debuts early next year, and a new role in the ongoing development of Parker.
That's a big assignment in itself with careful planning required to maximise Parker's value as one of the four holders of world heavyweight belts.
After almost four years of investment in Parker, Duco will be eager to cash in on the 24-year-old's new status with the plan to try to unify the glamour division.
Lonergan will now oversee the NRL Auckland Nines and focus his energies on growing boxing in Australia where Duco have world-ranked Aussie welterweight Horn on their books.
Duco last week confirmed a formal partnership with American boxing promoter Bob Arum and his Top Rank company that will open doors in the United States and around the world.
Higgins said they were in "no hurry" to replace Snedden with the holiday period looming.
"In the new year we will sit down and decide what's best when we have a better idea where our events will be in the world and what our schedule looks like."
Snedden, a former director of the International Cricket Council, won't be idle - he is currently a director of both New Zealand Cricket and Auckland World Masters Games 2017, as well as chairing Heart of the City, Auckland CBD's business association.
- Stuff