Ospreys Rugby today announced the appointment of Geoff Atherton as its first ever President.
Mr Atherton’s appointment recognises his service to the region, and allows him to continue to provide expert guidance to both the board and the senior management team at the Ospreys.
The news comes just a few weeks after the appointment of Steve Maddock to the board of Llandarcy Park (Ospreys) Ltd as non-executive Finance Director, with further changes to the corporate governance structure of both LPOL and Ospreys Rugby to come following a full operational review earlier this year.
A long-term servant of rugby in the region, Mr Atherton played more than 150 games for Swansea RFC including the famous defeat of Australia at St Helen’s in 1966.
He sat on the committee of the club for 27 years prior to the advent of regional rugby and was Chairman of the club during the period coinciding with the professionalism of rugby, when Swansea RFC became a company.
Mr Atherton graduated with honours in Engineering from Swansea University and joined the then Steel Co. of Wales as a graduate trainee, working his way up to become Director of Engineering for the Strip Products Division of the enlarged European steel company Corus. He sat on a board of directors with collective responsibility for a business with a turnover in excess of £2billion.
Having previously served as Chairman of both LPOL and Ospreys Rugby for five years between 2008 and 2013, he will continue as a director of both companies following this appointment.
Roger Blyth, Chairman, LPOL/Ospreys Rugby, said:
“Geoff has many years experience and understanding of the unique business of rugby and, in particular, Ospreys Rugby. In the role of President, he will continue to share his expertise and provide the appropriate support and guidance to his colleagues as required.
“He has made a major personal contribution to the ongoing success of Ospreys Rugby, and has been particularly influential during the difficult times over the last two to three years, helping to steer the business through troubled waters.
“It was very much a team effort, and now that Ospreys Rugby is operating off a firmer footing, we have undertaken a full and frank review of our corporate governance structure to enable us to move forward with real confidence.
“Further announcements will follow, but while we adapt and evolve to ensure we stay at the forefront of the game, it is also crucial that we utilise fully the knowledge and experience already available to us. As President of the Ospreys, and as a continuing director of LPOL and Ospreys Rugby, Geoff will provide the voice of reason as we strive to build on our recent on and off field successes.”