The Hurricanes have today appointed Avan Lee as the man to take on the club's chief executive role.

As the current World Rugby general manager of sevens, Lee will finish his Ireland-based role next month and return to New Zealand to take up the new position.

Having grown up in Whangarei, Lee previously worked at the Northland Rugby Union (2006-2007) and New Zealand Rugby (2007-2012), before spending the last three years in Ireland with World Rugby.

The 41-year-old said he was delighted to be given this opportunity with the Hurricanes.

"The Hurricanes chief executive position is the one role I would have moved home for," he said.

"I have a strong desire to lead the Hurricanes forward, and that includes balancing the commercial imperatives of professional sport with player welfare, to ensure the club continues to perform at a high standard."

Lee said he looked forward to working with the board, staff and team, along with further developing already established relationships with key stakeholders of the club.

Hurricanes chairman Brian Roche said the board was happy with the calibre of candidates received through its extensive recruitment process, and felt Lee would bring with him a strong international perspective on both rugby, and sport in general.

"This role will have a strong focus on commercial rugby and sport, while also developing a structure that will be right for the business going forward.

"Avan has local, national and international commercial experience within the sporting world which will assist the Hurricanes in all aspects of the club. We look forward to seeing what he brings to the table."

Outgoing chief executive James Te Puni will remain in the role until the Hurricanes Investec Super Rugby team has finished its season, with Lee then set to begin the new role.

"James will spend some time with Avan to transfer knowledge and ensure a smooth and positive transition as the Hurricanes' season moves towards its conclusion," said Roche.

"This is an exciting, new direction for the Hurricanes. We are looking forward to adding to the strong momentum of the Hurricanes organisation as we work to further develop our capability to support the club over the long term."