Roddy Campbell [#45]: Transforming the Australian Open into the 'Super Bowl of APAC'

On today’s episode, I’m grateful to be joined by Roddy Campbell,
Director of Partnerships & International Business at Tennis
Australia 


We’re catching up right off-the-back of the busiest three weeks
of the year for Roddy and his team, having just seen the
Australian Open conclude in Melbourne. The tournament has
developed an incredible reputation as the 'startup slam’ and
innovation flows through everything that they do - including
across partnerships. 


Although starting out in sport at The FA, Roddy has spent a lot
of his career in the worlds of music and entertainment at the
likes of EMI and Universal. 


In our conversation, we discuss the “festivalisation" of sport,
his team's co-creation approach to partnerships, their focus on
China, and wanting to become the ’Super Bowl of APAC’, we also
touch on the AO’s approach to media and launch of a Venture Fund
- particularly how it fits into Roddy’s work with partners. 





Time Stamps


2:00 - Roddy's Career Journey 


3:00 - Music and Sports Partnerships 


6:00 - The Australian Open Experience 


7:00 - Tennis Australia's Broader Role 


11:00 - International Expansion and China Focus 


14:30 Innovative Partnerships and Brand Integration 


22:00 Melbourne Park and Event Logistics 


27:00 Tourism and Economic Impact 


30:00 Innovation and Future Trends 


42:00 Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations 





Additional Links


The Festivalisation of Sport: How The Australian Open Is Serving
Up A New Era Sport & Spectacle


AO Ventures completes first close of $US30 million VC fund


By the numbers: Recapping Aussie singles success at AO 2025 


Connect with Roddy on LinkedIn - Here 


Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - Here