Premiership Rugby Names Media Chief As New Ceo
Premiership Rugby has confirmed that media industry executive Darren Childs will succeed Mark McCafferty as Chief Executive.
Childs, who has more than 25 years of experience in the media sector, announced in February that he would be stepping down in June from his current role as Chief Executive of multi-channel broadcaster UKTV after eight years at the helm.
He will begin his new role at the end of the current Gallagher Premiership season, with McCafferty becoming an adviser to CVC Capital Partners, the private equity firm that struck a deal to acquire a minority stake in Premiership Rugby at the end of last year.
Premiership Rugby becomes the latest sports rightsholder to make a key hire from the digital media sector.
Its press release emphasised Childs’ experience of “expanding audiences and growing digital platforms” noting, during his time at UKTV, the broadcaster had increased its revenues by 66% and almost tripled profits.
Premiership Rugby manages the Gallagher Premiership’s centralised media and commercial rights and is also responsible for governing, regulating, delivering and promoting the competition, as well as the Premiership Rugby Cup, Premiership Rugby Shield, the Premiership Rugby 7s and the Under-18s competition.
Speaking about his appointment, Childs said: “I am excited about the challenge that working in a new industry brings, especially one on the cusp of a transformation like rugby.
“I have always admired the values rugby demonstrates on the pitch and in the community and it will be a fantastic opportunity to work with the clubs, and the board to create even more fans of the sport. Premiership Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby are full of thrills and the future will certainly provide many more.”
Over his 14 years of leadership, McCafferty has overseen considerable growth at Premiership Rugby, spearheading three major broadcast deals that more than tripled media-rights revenues and concluding a new multi-year title sponsorship agreement last year with US insurance provider Gallagher. Over the past five years, the Premiership’s commercial income has rocketed by more than 80%.
McCafferty, who will continue to represent the Premiership’s clubs on the Professional Game Board, said: “I am looking forward to ensuring an effective transition with Darren and to my continued involvement in rugby, working from a new vantage point alongside CVC.”
Premiership Rugby Chairman Ian Ritchie added: “Mark has played a pivotal leadership role in the development of Premiership Rugby since 2005. The growth of the club game in England and Europe during that time has been tremendous.
“As the game evolves under new ownership, we are excited about the expertise and insight that Darren will bring from his experience leading fast-growing media businesses. The board looks forward to working with Darren to further develop the Premiership Rugby brand, product, digital and media execution.”
