Marlow gets ARU job

Marlow will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Michael Hawker which was announced at the end of last year.

ARU Chairman Cameron Clyne welcomed the appointment of Marlow.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Pip to the Board," Clyne said.

"Pip has a lifelong passion for Rugby, and through her professional experience working in senior leadership roles for Microsoft across the US and Australia, Pip brings a unique perspective and valuable set of skills to the Board."

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: "We now have three of Australia's most influential women on our board, in Pip Marlow, Liz Broderick and Ann Sherry."

"As we work towards delivering our strategic aim of making Rugby a game for everyone, Pip's appointment comes at an opportune time."

"We have never been in a better position to engage more girls and women in the Rugby community. With our Australian Women's Sevens team currently ranked No.1 in the world in the lead up to the Rio Olympic Games, a new strategic plan that is focused on increasing female involvement, and with such strong female representatives at Board level, it is an exciting time for women in Rugby."

Marlow said she was delighted to be joining the ARU Board.

"I have always been passionate about rugby and am looking forward to having the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the game in Australia," Marlow said.

"The appointments of myself, Liz Broderick and Ann Sherry to the Board, demonstrate the ARU's commitment to creating a balanced and diverse rugby community that reflects the society we live in."

Marlow grew up in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where she developed a love for rugby at a young age.

She moved to Sydney to begin her professional career, which included stints working at Samsung Information Systems and Agate Technology before joining Microsoft in 1995.

Marlow is also a member of Chief Executive Women (CEW), an organisation committed to supporting and growing women in executive positions.