Chiefs CEO Flexman Resigns
Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman is stepping down after four seasons in the job.
Just as you thought all the changes had been made at the Chiefs for a very fresh-looking 2018, it turns out the Super Rugby franchise will also have a new boss for next season. The club announced yesterday Flexman will step down after four years in the job, in order to pursue “other opportunities”. Flexman’s last day with the Chiefs will be Friday next week.
STRING OF CHANGES
The departure is the latest in a string of changes, with super-successful coach Dave Rennie having gone to Glasgow, assistant coach Kieran Keane now at Connacht, and several high-profile players not returning.
Players Hika Elliot, Tom Sanders, Michael Leitch, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Finlay Christie, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald and James Lowe have been confirmed as going so far and this latest change amplifies what would already to most certainly be a new era for the Chiefs. Having been appointed to the top job in 2013, replacing Gary Dawson, Flexman led the club through some significant developments, and also controversies.
PROFITABLITY
The former Tasman boss arrived after the Chiefs had gone back-toback in title wins, and oversaw four years of playoff footy, increased profitability and, just a month into the job, the transition to private ownership.
The Chiefs were granted a sevenyear licence by New Zealand Rugby to run the organisation, with private investors combining 50/50 with provincial unions, including the newly-involved Taranaki, in the NZ$3.3 million venture. Flexman also helped form a unique high-performance partnership with Japanese club, the Kobelco Steelers, which has continued to see mutual benefit for both clubs’ players and management, and has developed the Chiefs brand globally. Last year there was the re-signing of Rennie for two seasons and the historic win over Wales. But there were things which didn’t sit well with people either.
SUVA GAME
The decision to take home games against the marquee Crusaders to Suva in Fiji was financially-intelligent, but didn’t exactly endear the home fans, while he also came under fire for his handling of strippergatethe Chiefs post-season activities of 2016.
Flexman questioned the integrity of the woman at the centre of the controversy when allegations first emerged of the players’ behaviour, and later acknowledged he made comments he regretted, and that things had taken a toll on him and his family.
It’s unknown how much, if any, of the Chiefs off-field dramas affected Flexman’s decision to stand down, a year on, but in a statement he said he was proud of what the club has achieved and believes it is well positioned for the future.
“I have loved my time with the Chiefs, but it now feels like the right time to hand over the reins,” he said.
“I would like to thank the board, staff, players, sponsors and stakeholders for making my time at the club rewarding and enjoyable.”
REPLACEMENT
Chiefs chairman Dallas Fisher thanked Flexman for his contribution.
“A role like this is seven days a week during the season,” Fisher said.
“The board and shareholders thank Andrew for his commitment to the club and wish to acknowledge the role he has played in the many achievements of the club. “I have no doubt he will make a success of his next career move. We also thank his family for their support to him in the role over the past four years.”
Fisher said the process to recruit Flexman’s replacement would begin immediately.