The NFL has hired away World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper to become its first head of Europe and U.K., where he will be tasked with expanding American football across the continent. Gosper, who has been atop the global rugby federation since '12, brings to the job a number of skills and experiences that align nicely with the NFL's needs, said NFL Exec VP/Chief Strategy & Growth Officer Chris Halpin. "He's been running a huge world sport, understanding best-in-class events with the World Cup, operating within a number of different cultures and countries, and serving fans throughout the world, and developing them," Halpin said.
Gosper is expected to join the NFL in early '21. He will work out of London, where the NFL has had an office run by U.K. Managing Dir Alistair Kirkwood for many years. However, Gosper's remit is broader, covering all of continental Europe as well. Bringing an NFL game to Germany is among Gosper’s duties, though the NFL has not put a timeframe on that. In May, the NFL canceled its 2020 slate of international games in London and Mexico City due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the pandemic has delayed some strategic timelines, the league remains certain of football’s growth potential in Europe.
Current World Rugby COO Alan Gilpin will lead the organization as interim CEO until Gosper's replacement is appointed.
