Gloucester Rugby Appoints Stephen Vaughan as Managing Director

English Rugby Union club, Gloucester Rugby have revealed that Stephen Vaughan has agreed to join the club as its new Managing Director.

Vaughan, who will start in post on December 17th, possesses a wealth of experience in the sport, leisure and travel sectors.

Most recently, following the announcement of Thomas Cook as an Official Supporter to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, he was the Managing Director of Thomas Cook London 2012, where he led Thomas Cook’s involvement with London 2012.

Before joining Thomas Cook, Stephen played football for Walsall F.C. before joining the Travel industry by working as an overseas representative and Regional Manager, and then further developed his travel expertise through UK based roles in Tour Operating, Retail and Specialist Businesses.

Notably, he was previously Managing Director of Club 18-30 and the Big events Group.

He subsequently held the role of Head of Sales and Commercial for the Thomas Cook Dynamic Packaging businesses and was heavily involved in the creation and rollout of the brand to the market place.

In April 2009, Stephen was voted ‘Young Business Man of the Year’ by travel’s Hall of Fame committee.

Stephen gained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Loughborough University in 2007, and spoke today of his excitement at joining Gloucester Rugby:

“I’m tremendously excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Managing Director at one of the biggest clubs in European club rugby.

“Gloucester possesses a heritage that is the envy of many a sporting institution, with a standing within the community and support base to match, and a thriving commercial arm.

“But what particularly impressed me when I spoke to the board, was the drive and ambition to establish the club at the very pinnacle of the game.

“Nigel Davies and the playing squad have made a fine start to the season, and I can’t wait to come on board to play my part in helping Gloucester Rugby achieve its undoubted potential both on and off the field.”

Meanwhile Chairman Ryan Walkinshaw, welcomed Stephen to the club whilst also paying tribute to his predecessors in the role.

“Firstly I’d like to thank Chris Ferguson who stepped into the breech when Ken Nottage moved in during the summer, and has done a sterling job.

“But I’m thrilled that Stephen has agreed to join Gloucester Rugby. A man of his calibre and experience is always highly sought after, so his appointment is a real coup for the club.

“We have high ambitions for Gloucester Rugby and are confident that Stephen, with the experience he has gained from his previous roles such as his involvement with the Olympics, is exactly the right man to take us forward.

“We’ve already started an exciting new era at Gloucester Rugby, and I truly believe that Stephen will successfully build on the outstanding foundations left by Ken Nottage during his ten years at the club.”

Acting Managing Director Chris Ferguson, who has stepped up from his Finance Director role since former MD Ken Nottage moved on in August, will be leaving the club at the end of December after completing his handover with Stephen.