Blues announce Karl Budge as new CEO
Blues appoint Karl Budge as CEO, starting early 2026 with strong sports leadership.
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The Blues board has officially appointed Karl Budge as the franchise’s new Chief Executive Officer.
He is expected to commence the role in early 2026, with director Andy Roberts serving as interim CEO until then.
Budge brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in international sports, known for commercial innovation and strategic growth. Most notably, he led the ASB Classic tournament in New Zealand, helping elevate it into a premier event.
He later co-founded Octosport Partners, working with clients such as the New Zealand Olympic Committee and SailGP across the Asia-Pacific region to advance commercial strategies, fan engagement, and long-term planning.
He has also contributed to rugby governance, serving on a commercial sub-committee and as a secondee to the New Zealand Rugby Board.
On accepting the post, Budge said leading the Blues is “a tremendous privilege,” noting the club’s strong ties across Auckland, North Harbour, and Northland.
“The opportunity to lead the Blues is a tremendous privilege. This club is built on a rich history and has a deep connection to its community across Auckland, North Harbour, and Northland,” Budge said.
“My focus will be on ensuring we continue to grow and support a world-class high performance environment, connecting deeply with our fans, and ultimately delivering the success they deserve.”
