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