Executive Search: Chief Executive Officer for Rugby Players Ireland

Overview

CardiacBooster is a spin-off of the Radboud UMC and is located on the NovioTech Campus in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Cardiac Booster has been working on the development of a minimally invasive cardiac support device since 2018.


The product concept has been formulated by Dr. Daniël van Dort, a physician at Radboud University Medical Center. Based on his observations in the cardiac surgery department, Dr. van Dort has developed an innovative approach to left ventricular support.

Chief Executive Officer

Rugby Players Ireland is the representative body for professional rugby players in Ireland, advocating for their welfare, rights, and career development both on and off the field. The organisation also supports its members in areas such as employment, taxation, insurance and broader community engagement.

Background

 Mason Alexander was tasked with identifying and securing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) capable of leading the organisation strategically while supporting its mission and membership.


Rugby Players Ireland required a CEO who could:

  • Provide strategic leadership across member services and commercial activities
  • Drive development initiatives and enhance the organisation’s national and community impact
  • Represent player interests effectively while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders
  • Possess experience in high-profile, membership-led or sports-focused organisations


The role required a candidate with a combination of operational expertise, stakeholder management skills and a genuine understanding of the professional sport culture.

Solution

Mason Alexander conducted a structured executive search over an 8–10 week process, including:

  • Discovery & Alignment: Detailed briefing with the board to define leadership requirements, cultural fit and strategic priorities
  • Targeted Market Mapping: Identification and engagement of candidates with experience in sports management, membership organisations and commercial leadership
  • Assessment & Advisory: In-depth screening to assess strategic vision, stakeholder engagement skills and cultural alignment
  • Interview & Selection Support: Coordination of multi-stage interviews and facilitation of candidate-board discussions, providing guidance and feedback throughout


Our approach ensured only highly suitable candidates were presented, balancing leadership capability with alignment to Rugby Players Ireland’s values and mission.

Result

Successfully appointed a CEO with the requisite leadership experience, commercial acumen and strong understanding of member representation.

Key Highlights

CEO appointment completed within 10 weeks

Candidate brought sports management expertise and strategic vision

Exclusive executive search mandate

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