The England Rugby Football Union announced today that former head of Wimbledon tennis, Ian Ritchie, is to be their new Chief Executive.
This follows three months without a permanent CEO, since John Steele left the office in June of 2011. Steele had been replaced by Martyn Thomas, who filled the role until today’s appointment.
Ian Ritchie has been CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2005, speaking on his new appointment, Ritchie said:
“The decision to leave the AELTC was a difficult one. I have been fortunate to work for a wonderful organisation and am extremely proud of what it has achieved over the past few years.”
England will be hoping that the appointment will help to spur their rugby union side back to the top of World Rugby in time for their home World Cup in 2015.