New Zealand Football have appointed Jane Patterson as Project Director for the Initial Operating Phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

In her 27-year career Patterson has led major events across New Zealand and Australia including the World Netball Championships, IRONMAN triathlon and UCI BMX World Championships. She has worked for International Management Group (IMG), the world’s largest sports marketing and event management company, as well as her own company The Patter Ltd which has produced major events across New Zealand. Most recently she has worked in the UK as a Major Events Consultant for UK Sport, leading on their policy and strategy for major events.

In 2016 Patterson was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year’s Honours, recognised for her achievements in service to sport. 

NZF CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“We are delighted to have someone with Jane’s experience on board to help lay the foundations for 2023, the biggest event ever hosted in New Zealand.

“We are determined, with co-hosts Australia, to make this tournament the best ever FIFA Women’s World Cup and it is great to see planning get underway.”

Patterson joins on a contract basis to cover the Initial Operating Phase. This period covers the initial set up of the tournament such as establishing a corporate entity, advance planning around the governance and staffing structures, event budgets and other critical pieces of work. 

Article added: Monday 07 September 2020