Eminent marketer, Tracey Evans has joined the Board of the Blues rugby organisation as a co-opted independent director.

Tracey is currently Head of Marketing with The Coca-Cola Company responsible for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and has been with the company for 15 years since joining as Marketing Manager in 2006.

She has a strong business background in marketing in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry and is responsible for both the strategy and execution of marketing plans, and working closely with stakeholders to deliver on this.

Blues Chair, Don MacKinnon said his Board and the Blues were thrilled to attract someone with Evans’ capability and proven background.

“As an organisation and a sport, we need to continue to develop and build our identity,” said Mackinnon. “To achieve this, we must continue to work very hard on the connections to our communities and our fans to ensure we remain relevant.

“Tracey’s expertise and success in this area will not only be invaluable to the Board in developing strategies but to the organisation as a whole, and to our marketing and operations team in particular.”

Evans said she is excited to join the Blues and bring her business nous to the club operation.

“As a marketer I’m most passionate about building strong brands and a strong emotional connection with consumers/fans. Brand love is crucial to a brand’s success and ultimately the success of the business.”

She is a born, bred and proud Aucklander with a passion for the region. Much of her life has been in the heart of the Blues territory, schooled at Epsom Girls Grammar and gaining her degree at the University of Auckland.