Starting his career in New Zealand within sports events, Regan gained valuable experience with Hockey New Zealand and New Zealand Cricket, developing a passion for delivering major sporting events. Seeking new challenges, he set their sights on the UK and, with the support of Global Sports, secured an Event Manager role at the LTA.
In this interview, Regan shares his career journey, the key lessons learned in managing large-scale events, and how collaboration and adaptability have been crucial to the progress and success he has achieved.
My journey leading up to the LTA has come in the form of working in New Zealand for both Hockey New Zealand and recently at New Zealand Cricket. I spent 3 years working at Hockey New Zealand in a Domestic Competition role – a role I joined straight for university, which gave me a taste of the event world whilst also being involved within sport at the community level. I then spent 2 years working as an Event Manager at New Zealand Cricket – which really gave me the opportunity to work within a global sport and work alongside some great people. This role gave me the opportunity to be involved in some major events around New Zealand and has driven my passion working within the sporting event world
Collaboration is a major one, everyone is ultimately there for the same outcome so its important to work together to ensure this can happen. Working with so many stakeholders to pull together events you need to make sure your communication and stakeholder management is tip top. Understanding what people are trying to achieve, being solutions focused and adaptable are all key aspects I have learnt within my previous roles. These valuable attributes are what will stick with me through the rest of my career!
Global sports significantly supported my job search when moving from New Zealand to the UK for my role at the LTA. It provided extensive networking opportunities through international events, enabling connections with industry professionals.
Access to global job platforms allows the discovery of relevant positions and showcased diverse roles across the industry. Overall, global sports played a crucial role in my successful transition and job acquisition.
Being involved in another global sport and truly showcasing what a special role major events play within the sporting world. Being involved in the showpiece that is the HSBC Championship at The Queens Club in one of the biggest spotlights will be very rewarding to see all the hard work come to life. For the near future just being involved in the sporting world in the UK and enjoying what is on offer. For the longer term future, working an Olympic Games would be amazing – especially one so close to my home of New Zealand with Brisbane 2032!
Just have a go. Reach out, chat to people and see where you can get involved. As sport continues to evolve as an entertainment package, continue to evolve with it, learn what’s happening around, adapt, and see what changes you can positively contribute. Have fun doing what you do! Passion is a key driver to a lot of things, passion to put in the hard yards and see the rewards is what keeps driving you forward.