Kitman Labs Hire former IRFU Player Kevin McLaughlin
The former Leinster and Ireland rugby international player Kevin McLaughlin, has joined Kitman Labs, as Vice President of Operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. McLaughlin won eight Ireland caps and had more than 100 appearances for Leinster before retiring last year on medical ground.
The appointment is effective immediately and reflects Kitman Labs’ ongoing strategy to expand its services in EMEA, while raising awareness for the company’s unique Athlete Optimization SystemTM that helps elite teams to prevent player injuries. Recent partnerships with Norwich City and Everton in the Premier League demonstrate elite sport’s need for this type of technology.
Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs, said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Kevin’s calibre on board. His status as a former professional sportsman and knowledge of how teams operate and how they use Kitman Labs will be an important asset.
“Kevin has distinguished himself as innovative leader who understands the industry. He will play a vital role in optimising Kitman Labs’ operations as we scale our services across the Atlantic.”
Kevin McLaughlin said: “Having used Kitman Labs’ technology as a player, I’ve seen how the system can benefit a team, and most importantly the health of an athlete. “I am passionate about working for a company that is determined to help solve the injury epidemic that is sweeping across professional sport. This passion is heightened by the concussion issue that finished my career.”
Founded in 2012 in Dublin by Stephen Smith, former Head of Athletic training at Leinster Rugby, Kitman Labs has grown rapidly, opening its first US office in Silicon Valley, CA in 2014. Built by practitioners for practitioners, Kitman Labs has agreements around the world with Irish Rugby Union, Bath Rugby, the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the Barclay’s Premier League’s Norwich City and Everton and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.