The Welsh rugby Union has appointed Gavin Marshall as its new chief operating officer. He joins the union WRU from the chief executive role at Bristol Sport group, which includes Bristol City (men and women); Bristol Bears (men and women) and Bristol Flyers.
He formally takes up his new role on November 3rd, but is already contributing to the WRU’s ongoing review of the professional game in Wales.
The union began recruiting for a chief operating officer earlier this year when it was confirmed incumbent Leighton Davies would move to the position of chief commercial officer - a position he took up at the start of September.
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The WRU said his appointment is the final piece in the jigsaw after chief executive Abi Tierney stated her intention to streamline the executive team .
He joins director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin, director of the community game Geraint John, chief people officer Lydia Stirling and Mr Davies in her new look executive team.
Chair of the WRU, Richard Collier-Keywood, said: "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.
“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.”
Mr Marshall joined Bristol Sport group as group chief finance officer in 2016 and was made CEO in the summer of 2022.
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Mr 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.”