Blofeld to become Bath CEO
June 23 2009
Bath have announced the appointment of Nick Blofeld as their new CEO, with the fresh arrival set to join the club on September 1.
The former Managing Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse will link up with the English outfit at a key stage in the re-development of the Recreation Ground and new training facilities.
Bob Calleja will be staying at the club in the role of COO and will now have more time to focus on the complex issue of how to develop the stadium into a site suitable for a leading rugby club in the 21st century.
"We need some fresh thinking and a bigger management team to be able to progress with our re-development plans at the same time as ensuring that Steve Meehan and the team get all the support they need to keep delivering on the pitch," said Calleja.
"We have been chasing Nick for over six months and he has all the qualities to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. I'll give Nick my full support and don't intend to hang up my boots until we have a long term, viable plan for the new stadium that meets the expectations of our long suffering fans."
Meanwhile, Chairman and owner of Bath, Andrew Brownsword, believes that Blofeld is the right man to lead Bath forward with his past achievements speaking for themselves.
"Nick is a natural successor as CEO and I'm confident will be able to help us to enhance Bath Rugby's position at the top of professional rugby," he said.
"He has a wealth of relevant commercial experience in marketing, sponsorship and re-development and we are delighted he has agreed to join us for the beginning of the season."
On the field, Martin Haag has left the RFU academy and his role as England U20 Assistant Coach to rejoin the club he played for 295 times.
Haag has had two spells coaching at the Bath Academy and recently helped the U20s reach the final of the Junior World Championships.
"Martin Haag is well known to the Bath players and supporters," said Steve Meehan.
"He did very well when with Bristol and has just enjoyed a successful period with the England U20's.
"As a former Bath player I'm sure he will bring a lot of the club ethos with him and that will benefit all of us."