WRU appoints Gavin Marshall as new Chief Operating Officer
WRU appoints Gavin Marshall as new Chief Operating Officer
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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has named Gavin Marshall as its new Chief Operating Officer, completing a reshaped executive team under CEO Abi Tierney.
Marshall, who was most recently Chief Executive Officer of the Bristol Sport group – overseeing Bristol City, Bristol Bears and Bristol Flyers – will officially take up the post on 3 November. He is already contributing to the WRU’s ongoing review of the professional game in Wales.
The COO role became vacant earlier this year after incumbent Leighton Davies was confirmed as Chief Commercial Officer in September. Marshall’s appointment finalises Tierney’s streamlined leadership structure, which also includes Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin, Director of the Community Game Geraint John, Chief People Officer Lydia Stirling, and Davies.
“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 first joined Bristol Sport as Group CFO in 2016 before being promoted to Group CEO in 2022. Reflecting on his move.
He 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.”
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