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New CEO for WRU

Gavin Marshall has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Marshall joins the WRU from the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Bristol Sport group, which includes Bristol City (men and women); Bristol Bears (men and women) and Bristol Flyers.

He takes up his new post on Monday 3rd November, but is already contributing to the WRU’s ongoing review of the professional game in Wales.

The Union began recruiting for a new COO earlier this year when it was confirmed incumbent Leighton Davies would move to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), a position he took up at the start of September.

Marshall’s appointment is the final piece in the jigsaw after CEO Abi Tierney stated her intention to streamline the executive team at the Union.

He joins Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin, Director of the Community Game Geraint John, Chief People Officer Lydia Stirling and Leighton Davies in Tierney’s new look executive team.

“This is a pivotal executive role responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitable performance across all WRU operational activities and we are delighted to welcome Gavin on Board as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

“Gavin is a hugely experienced operator and will bring operational and financial rigour to Abi’s newly streamlined executive team, picking up where Leighton left off but also adding huge value to the WRU based on his previous roles.

“Gavin will oversee Finance, Stadium Operations and Event Delivery, Technology Operations and Legal.”

Marshall joined the Bristol sporting group as Group CFO in 2016 and was made Group CEO in the summer of 2022.

Commenting on his move to WRU, Marshall, who is originally from Pembrokeshire, said: “For almost a decade I have lived and breathed our multi-sport offering, and I am proud to have played a part in helping drive record growth across all five sports teams during that time.

“Being a proud Welshman, the opportunity to work for the WRU is a dream come true for me.”

About Gavin Marshall:

Bristol Sport Group CEO Bristol Sport Group CEO (Bristol Sport, Bristol City, Bristol Bears & Bristol Flyers) – July 2022 – Present Bristol Sport Group Chief Financial Officer Apr 2016 – Jul 2022

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