Bob Casey appointed as Chief Executive of London Irish

Former Irish international Bob Casey has been appointed as London Irish's new Chief Executive, having previously fulfilled the role of the club's Operations Director.

London Irish is organising itself into six departments - Commercial, Community, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Operations and Rugby, each led by an experienced executive who will report to the club's Chief Executive. The changes will take effect from the July 1st.

Among the senior appointments confirmed today are Casey as Chief Executive, Paul Forsyth as Head of Finance, Darren Henry as Head of Commercial, Fiona Stockley as Head of Operations, Glenn Delaney as Head of Rugby Operations and Kieran McCarthy as Rugby Chairman. David Fitzgerald reverts to a non-executive Chairman role.

Casey previously was the Club’s Operations Director and a former captain; Paul Forsyth joins from BBA Aviation plc, a FTSE 250 listed group where he was Head of Financial Planning and Analysis; Darren Henry joins from Harlequins where he was Head of Sponsorship and Commercial Partnerships and Fiona Stockley comes from Reading FC where she was Head of Merchandise and Retail Events. Messrs Delaney and McCarthy previously were interim Head Coach and Rugby Manager respectively at London Irish.

Announcing the new structure, Mick Crossan, President and owner of London Irish said, "Since our consortium took over the Club 18 months ago, while we've had a busy period reviewing its operations and moving to Hazelwood, we're been very aware of what an auspicious time this is for rugby in general and for London Irish in particular. We have been making sure we're ready to take advantage of current and future opportunities.

“On the pitch we’ve made important signings for next season and have strengthened our coaching staff, in particular we’re delighted to have appointed a new Head Coach of the calibre of Tom Coventry who, together with his assistant coaches, will arrive for the start of pre-season in July.

“In particular, we’re pleased that Bob Casey has accepted our invitation to become Chief Executive. Bob has proven his commitment to London Irish and his leadership expertise both as a player and as a Director and we will be working with him and his team to restore this great club to its rightful place among Europe’s leading clubs.”