International sevens rugby boss Avan Lee has been appointed chief executive of the Hurricanes.
New Zealander Lee will take up the post in June after finishing his Ireland-based role as World Rugby general manager of sevens.
The 41-year-old will replace James Te Puni, who is seeing out a fourth year as CEO of the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby.
An internal review released in February recommended the roles be split.
Whangarei-raised Lee worked for the Northland Rugby Union before holding various positions with New Zealand Rugby from 2007-12.
He spent one year as a commercial manager at World Rugby and shifted into the sevens role in mid-2013.
The Hurricanes top job is the one of few he would be prepared to move home for, Lee said in a statement.
"I have a strong desire to lead the Hurricanes forward, and that includes balancing the commercial imperatives of professional sport with player welfare, to ensure the club continues to perform at a high standard," he said.
Hurricanes chairman Brian Roche said the board hopes Lee's international perspective on rugby will provide value.
The role will have a strong commercial focus and developing a sustainable structure.
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