Vaughan takes reins at Wasps
WASPS have appointed Stephen Vaughan as their new chief executive (sports).
Vaughan, who joins after six years as Gloucester chief executive, has been appointed to develop Wasps Rugby and Wasps Netball brands and lead the corporate and commercial teams.
Wasps also announced Stuart Cain, who joined Wasps two years ago from the NEC Group-as, as chief executive (venue).
Nick Eastwood, who switches from CEO to deputy chairman, said: “Stephen has an impressive track record of delivering results wherever he has been, so we are really excited to have him on board.
“He was the main archi-excitement tect of Gloucester’s recent success and he will be a great asset for us moving forward.
“Stephen’s role is focused away from the pitch but he will be supporting Dai Young where needed, as well as harnessing and forging new relationships with current and potential club partners.”
Vaughan, who held senior management positions with Thomas Cook including a leading role at London 2012, revealed his at the challenge ahead. He said: “The opportunity to come and work for such a household name in the rugby world was too good to turn down.
“Given the tradition of the Wasps brand and the first-class facilities that it has at Ricoh Arena, there is so much potential here and I can’t wait to get started on helping Wasps go from strength to strength.”
Cain added: “Wasps is much more than a rugby and netball club. Ricoh Arena is a leading conference, exhibition and concert venue in its own right.
“It makes absolute sense to focus on the two key drivers of future success – a winning, well-supported sports operation and a venue that brings people to the region seven days a week, day and night.”