Experienced businessman Brent Impey has been appointed to the Board of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) as one of two Independent Directors.

Mr Impey replaces the late Christopher Doig who passed away in October last year.

"We are thrilled to be able to appoint someone of Brent's calibre to this important position," said NZRU Chairman Mike Eagle.

"Brent brings a wealth of business experience to the Board as a long serving chief executive of Mediaworks and through his directorships of public and other companies.

"I am sure Brent's skills will add real value as we seek to grow our business and capitalise on the success of Rugby World Cup 2011 in what are challenging times for all businesses.

"Brent well knows the significance of our national game from many perspectives having been a player and coach in his younger days and being closely involved in many broadcast and sponsorship issues through Mediaworks. He was also involved in the recent NZRU review of Investec Super Rugby franchises."

Mr Impey has been appointed until April 2013 and takes up his appointment immediately ahead of the NZRU's first Board meeting of the year later this month.

He is currently a director of Pumpkin Patch, Yellow Pages Group, Devon Funds Management Limited and Hutchwilco New Zealand Limited and Executive Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation.