Glenn Delaney has been appointed head of rugby operations and Bob Casey chief executive in a management reshuffle at London Irish.
In an effort to capitalise on current and future commercial opportunities, as well as ensuring its long-term sustainabilty, the Exiles have announced a restructure where the club will fall into six departments.
These are: commercial, community, finance, marketing and communications, operations and rugby, which will each be led by an experienced executive who will report to the chief executive.
Among the senior appointments confirmed also include Paul Forsyth (head of finance), Darren Henry (head of commercial) Fiona Stockley (head of operations) and Kieran McCarthy (rugby chairman).
David FitzGerald, meanwhile, reverts to a non-executive chairman role.
Forsyth joins the club from BBA Aviation, a FTSE 250 listed group, Henry makes the switch from Aviva Premiership rivals Harlequins, where he was Head of Sponsorship and Commercial Partnerships, while Stockley leaves her role as head of merchandise at Reading FC to join the team.
Delaney was previously interim head coach following the departure of Brian Smith and McCarthy was rugby manager.
Alongside the changes, Tom Coventry will also join the club soon as the new head coach.
All changes will take place on July.
Mick Crossan, Irish president, said of the changes: “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’ve 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 and have stregthened 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.
“Off the pitch we believe that the time is right for London Irish to become a more customer-focussed and con consistently profitable business.
“We are delighted with the quality and experience of the people that are joining us and they have the full support of the board as they set about a period of exciting development.”
Further appointments will be announced in due course, the club say.
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