Stoke City Executive Andrew Billingham Becomes Bristol Sport CEO

Stoke City commercial executive Andrew Billingham has become the new Chief Executive of Bristol Sport Ltd (BSL).

The appointment falls within the company’s plans to become the South West’s best facility for sport, sponsorship, entertainment and events.

Billingham joins BSL from Premier League football club Stoke City  where he has been in charge of commercial affairs for the last six years, overseeing their transition from the Championship to the top flight.

On his appointment Billingham commented “Within the UK sports industry, Bristol is rightly seen as a major sporting city. I have been impressed by Bristol Sport’s ambitions and plans to attract more families and individuals to participate in sport in the South West, be it watching or competing. I’ve already met some extremely passionate people and my role will be to work with them to unlock the potential, bringing together strategy and culture and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” He will assume his new position on June 1st 2014.

With more than twenty years experience in commercial sport Billingham has worked with some of the biggest sporting brands including adidas, Liverpool FC and Birmingham City FC. At Stoke City FC he drove business revenues from £11 million to £70 million in five years.

Martin Griffiths, Chairman of BSL, said “It’s a hugely exciting time for Bristol Sport. This is just the beginning of a journey which will see Bristol and the South West eventually become a sporting centre of excellence, provision, entertainment and events. By appointing Andrew we are adding to our talent pool as we aim to take BSL to a new level by extending our reach and penetration into all sports and entertainment areas.” 

BSL is part of the stable of sports companies owned by Stephen Lansdown and as such will oversee all aspects of commercial operations and merchandising for its affiliates including Bristol City FC, Bristol Rugby, Bristol Flyers, Bristol Academy Women FC and DZ Motorsport.  It will also manage the development of Bristol’s first multi-use stadium to be completed in 2016.