In this newly-established position, Froggatt will be responsible for the brand and commercial development of PNZ, in support of its threefold purpose.

This consists of: "growing Para-sport nationally and send elite athletes to international competitions, including the Paralympic Games; inspiring those living with a disability in New Zealand society; and finally, creating greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of disability amidst the wider public".

"We are thrilled to have Rachel Froggatt on board as our commercial and marketing director," said Fiona Allan, PNZ chief executive.

"This new role is critical in helping us ensure that New Zealand Paralympians are best supported to perform on the international stage and to help us in our continued efforts to promote social change for the 1.1 million kiwis living with a disability.

"Rachel has exceptional credentials and it's a credit to the increasing level of professionalism and interest in Paralympic sport globally that we can now attract candidates of this stature.

"As we continue to grow, we will continue to innovate by having the right people, initiatives and structures in place."

Rachel Froggatt attended the London 2012 Paralympic Games through her work at WPP and talked of her pride at seeing her fellow New Zealanders enter the stadium during the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images


Recruited from Germany, Frooggatt has enjoyed a 15-year career in the global sports and media industries, specialising in commercial strategy and creative development.

For the past three years', she has been global sponsoring strategy director with WPP advertising agency network, Grey Group.

In this role, she led the cross-agency team responsible for activating the global sponsorship portfolio of Allianz, one of the largest insurance and investment companies in the world, with more than 83 million customers in 70 countries.

Alongside partnerships with Mercedes Formula One Team, FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona, Allianz is also an International Partner of the International Paralympic Committee and Froggatt was involved in London 2012.

"I was very lucky to attend the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and I remember the overwhelming feeling of pride I had when the New Zealand team entered the stadium, a feeling I saw replicated amongst my friends and family back home," said Froggatt.

"Paralympic sport is unique in that it is a movement that both empowers individuals and is a vehicle for changing society.

"I am thrilled to be joining Paralympics New Zealand at such a pivotal moment in its development."

Froggatt will begin her new role on December 8.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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