Hassan added to Rugby Club board

By Mark Stevens
7/6/23

Exeter Rugby Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Karime Hassan MBE as a new, non-executive Director on the club's Group board.

With an illustrious career and extensive experience in various fields, the 61-year-old’s addition brings invaluable expertise and a fresh perspective to the club’s management structure.

A highly respected and accomplished individual, known for his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, Karime’s diverse background spanning business, finance and public service has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and deliver impactful results. His wealth of knowledge and dedication to excellence also make him an ideal addition to the Exeter Rugby Club board.

As a former Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, Karime played a pivotal role in transforming Exeter into a vibrant and thriving city. Indeed, he played a significant role in the delivery of projects such as the Met Office relocation, Princesshay, Ikea, Exeter Science Park, Cranbrook and St Sidwell’s Point.

During his time in office, Karime has also championed the role of sport in supporting active and healthy lifestyles, supporting the Sport England Local Delivery Pilot in Exeter and Cranbrook, as well as playing a key role in helping Exeter become a host city for the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

In addition to his exceptional achievements in the public sector, Hassan has also made significant contributions to the business world and his extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning will undoubtedly prove invaluable in guiding the club's future growth and success.

Awarded an MBE in 2022 for his services to Local Government, Karime is presently a Fellow at the Centre for Leadership at the University of Exeter.

Commenting on his appointment, Karime said: “I am truly honoured to join the board of Exeter Rugby Club. The club's commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, is commendable, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success. I am particularly excited about working closely with the current board and leveraging my experience to support the club's strategic vision.

“As a rugby enthusiast myself, it’s been brilliant to watch how Exeter Chiefs have risen over the years, not only to one of the leading clubs in English Rugby, but also that of European Rugby. The success of both the men’s and women’s teams is clear to see and moving forward I’ve no doubt the club will continue to growth from strength to strength.”

Exeter Rugby Club Chairman and Chief Executive, Tony Rowe, said he was ‘delighted’ to welcome Karime onto the club’s board.

“I have been privileged to know Karime for a great number of years now and he has been an inspirational and powerful figure in creating Exeter as a vibrant and successful city on some many different fronts. At the same time, he’s always championed Exeter Rugby Club far and wide and has been very supportive in a great deal of our own initiatives.

“His exceptional leadership skills, wealth of experience, and commitment to community development make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that Karime's contributions will further elevate Exeter Rugby Club and help us achieve new heights.”