New directors join board

By Mark Stevens
19/7/18

Exeter Rugby Group’s new non-executive directors Mark Champion and Chris Over say they are relishing the roles they have taken on at Sandy Park.

The double appointment of the two Exeter-based businessmen was confirmed by the Gallagher Premiership club today and helps to strengthen the club's board ahead of the new 2018/19 season.

Mr Champion has a wealth of business, corporate finance and boardroom experience stemming from his career at EY in the UK and Australia and, more latterly, as a partner at corporate finance specialist, Isca Ventures.

He is currently a Non-Executive Director at three businesses across the region and, during his career, has held board roles within both PLC and privately-owned companies.

Previously he has assisted the Exeter Rugby Club Board on a number of projects over the years, including the Chiefs 20/20 Bond, stadium/conference centre expansion and the purchase of Premiership Rugby P Shares.

He said: “Exeter Rugby Club has been a shining example of how a sporting club should be run, both on and off the field, and I am looking forward to joining the board and helping the company achieve the high aspirations that have been set for the future.”

Joining Mr Champion in the Sandy Park boardroom will be Mr Over, who as a Solicitor Advocate has practised for all his career in Exeter where he has dealt with a wide range of legal issues, primarily relating to employment, regulatory compliance and health and safety, mainly in the transport and construction sectors.

During his career, South West Communications - the main sponsors of Exeter Chiefs - have been one of his principal clients and through that association he has acted on a wide range of issues for the rugby club, including acting on behalf of players in RFU disciplinary hearings.

Although recently retired from private practice, Mr Over said: "I am very honoured to have been appointed as director and company secretary of the Exeter Rugby Group, where I aim to use my legal and business expertise to help in dealing with the challenges ahead."

The duo join Chairman and Chief Executive Tony Rowe OBE and his board of non-executive directors who successfully run Exeter Rugby Group.