Newport Gwent Dragons have announced that Michael Jenkins has been appointed as the region's new Chief Executive and will spearhead the Dragon's ambitious plans to transform Rodney Parade.
Mr Jenkins will join the Dragons from Gwent solicitors Harding Evans LLP, where he has acted as legal advisor to the Dragons for many years and worked closely with the board.
Mr Jenkins will lead the region's commercial operations as the Dragons enter the exciting first phase of the revamping the ground with the planned start of work on the development of a new 2,700-seat grandstand and hospitality boxes.
The redeveloped facilities will greatly improve the region's capacity to generate revenue to invest in securing further success on the field and Mr Jenkins said:
"Newport Gwent Dragons are working towards very clear objectives.
"The redevelopment of Rodney Parade will help to build on the current sound financial footing to raise additional funds which, in turn, can be invested in our squad, translating into a more successful team.
"I have a long-standing relationship with Rodney Parade, working alongside the team which is leading the redevelopment project. The team showed last year that they can compete against the best sides in the UK and Ireland and work will start soon on facilities which will compare with the best clubs and grounds.
"It is an exciting time to be joining the Dragons. There is a talented, committed team of people here and it is an honour to be leading an organisation which inspires such loyal support," he said.
Mr Jenkins is a well-known figure in the south Wales legal community and has worked for Harding Evans for 13 years where he is a partner in its business services division. He will remain on the board of directors.
Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell added:
"We have created strong, sustainable foundations in recent years on which we can now build. With Mike's considerable commercial expertise and experience of working with the club, we can develop both on and off the pitch.
"With Mike's appointment we have the infrastructure and team in place to secure a successful future for the business."
Mr Jenkins will join the Dragons from Gwent solicitors Harding Evans LLP, where he has acted as legal advisor to the Dragons for many years and worked closely with the board.
Mr Jenkins will lead the region's commercial operations as the Dragons enter the exciting first phase of the revamping the ground with the planned start of work on the development of a new 2,700-seat grandstand and hospitality boxes.
The redeveloped facilities will greatly improve the region's capacity to generate revenue to invest in securing further success on the field and Mr Jenkins said:
"Newport Gwent Dragons are working towards very clear objectives.
"The redevelopment of Rodney Parade will help to build on the current sound financial footing to raise additional funds which, in turn, can be invested in our squad, translating into a more successful team.
"I have a long-standing relationship with Rodney Parade, working alongside the team which is leading the redevelopment project. The team showed last year that they can compete against the best sides in the UK and Ireland and work will start soon on facilities which will compare with the best clubs and grounds.
"It is an exciting time to be joining the Dragons. There is a talented, committed team of people here and it is an honour to be leading an organisation which inspires such loyal support," he said.
Mr Jenkins is a well-known figure in the south Wales legal community and has worked for Harding Evans for 13 years where he is a partner in its business services division. He will remain on the board of directors.
Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell added:
"We have created strong, sustainable foundations in recent years on which we can now build. With Mike's considerable commercial expertise and experience of working with the club, we can develop both on and off the pitch.
"With Mike's appointment we have the infrastructure and team in place to secure a successful future for the business."
