Bristol Bears name Tom Tainton CEO

Tainton has been promoted from his previous role as chief operating officer, a position he had held since taking over from his uncle Mark Tainton in 2022.

Tainton has played a key role in the Gallagher Prem club’s off-field growth during his decade-long tenure.

Tainton’s appointment forms part of the club’s long-term strategy, aiming to transform Bristol Bears into an innovative, digitally-led, and financially sustainable organisation.

This move is intended to make the club less reliant on the backing of owner Steven Lansdown in the future.

He will work closely with director of rugby Pat Lam and the board of directors, on which he sits, to create structures that will support both the men’s and women’s teams in competing for silverware. Both teams finished fourth last season, putting them in the play-off mix at the end of their respective campaigns.

Gavin Marshall, Bristol Sport Group CEO, said, “On behalf of everyone at the club, I want to congratulate to Tom on his well-deserved appointment to CEO of Bristol Bears.”

Tom Tainton said, “It’s a privilege to lead my boyhood club in a new chapter for the Bears and I’m passionate about playing my part in its future.

“We are an organisation that prides ourselves on being different and pushing the boundaries – this is an exciting time for rugby and our ambition is for Bears to be at the forefront of leading that positive change.“

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