Snedden

"Has any one told you that Garretson's car went down the river road, too?" called Snedden, anxiously.

The Treasure-Train 1908

When the Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand on Friday, the event's biggest cheerleader will be Martin Snedden .

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: The growth of the organization is something that has taken me by surprise.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: Although our strict mandate was to run a rugby tournament, I saw it as absolutely critical that we took on that cheerleading role.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: The earthquake was the saddest thing I've had to deal with in this project.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: There is a financial bottom line but in my own view the success is going to be a bit intangible and subjective rather than objective.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Rugby New Zealand 2011/Getty Images Martin Snedden Named in 2006 as the chief executive of the company organizing the event, 52-year old Mr. Snedden knew he'd have to tackle some tough challenges.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: We started thinking that there would be one stadium project, and that would be the upgrade of Eden Park, the stadium in central Auckland.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden, himself a former international cricketer for New Zealand, recently spoke with Lucy Craymer.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011

Mr. Snedden: This is far bigger than anything we have ever attempted in New Zealand.

Rugby World Cup Chief Takes Success to Heart Lucy Craymer 2011