Ospreys make former City slicker Garcia new man at the Liberty helm
THE Ospreys have appointed former Manchester City executive Nick Garcia as their new chief executive.
Garcia, 45, will be taking up his first role in rugby but comes with significant pedigree and experience, having formed part of the team that led Manchester City’s expansion to the City Football Group – a number of clubs around the world with a shared philosophy and commercial strategy – in 2013.
At CFG, Garcia’s remit included clubs all over the world and he arrives at the Ospreys having most recently been CEO at Al Jazira, a leading football club in the UAE.
With over 20 years as a sports management professional, the region herald Garcia’s appointment as ‘part of the long-term strategy to place the Ospreys at the forefront of professional rugby and to drive the regional franchise to embrace the challenges ahead whilst capitalising on the changing rugby landscape.’
“The Ospreys is a pillar of Welsh rugby and the community, with an impressive history of success and a reputation of innovating to deliver results,” Garcia said. “The ownership’s vision for the club and the changing rugby landscape makes this an exciting role. I’m truly honoured to have been chosen to lead the Ospreys in this next phase.”
Garcia’s appointment is the latest piece of significant investment off the field at the Ospreys.
Since Y11 Sports & Media, led by James Davies-Yandle, took over the region last year, Mike Ruddock has agreed to stay on in a newly-created Development Director role and Corin Palmer has been recruited as Performance Director.
As part of Garcia’s appointment, Managing Director Andrew Millward becomes the Chief Operating
Officer, charged with leading the rugby strategy.
Garcia, who will be responsible for all areas of the Ospreys business and report to the Board, starts work on April 12. On the appointment, Davies-Yandle, owner of the Ospreys and Y11 Sports and Media, said: “Nick has a proven track record at the highest level in professional sport and has built an impressive reputation for innovation as an executive within elite sport.
“His role at CFG saw him devise, promote and deliver successful strategies to maximize the potential of a number of professional sporting organisations in many different markets around the world.
“This appointment is part of Y11’s strategy to place the Ospreys at the cutting edge of professional sport, while still respecting the rich history and culture that made it a success.
“His experience and expertise will prove invaluable as we build the next chapter of the Ospreys story. Nick’s appointment, with his experience in professional football, is another example of that.”
“Professional rugby faces many challenges due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and we believe we have appointed a CEO who is innovative and equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.”