Former Wimbledon Chief Executive Ian Ritchie Joins RFU as CEO

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have appointed Ian Ritchie to become their Chief Executive Officer in a move to bring the organisation out of its scandal-ridden predicament.

Ritchie, who currently holds a similar role at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club will take the reins from the acting CEO Stephen Brown.

Previous chief executive John Steele stepped down in June after coming under pressure over his handling of the RFU’s search for an elite performance director.

Martyn Thomas had also served as acting CEO until leaving the organisation at the end of November.

The RFU said in a statement that a start date for Ritchie, who has also served on the board of the Football League as an independent director, had yet to be confirmed.

“Ian Ritchie was chosen as having an outstanding mix of business experience, leadership skills and the innate understanding of the sporting world,” the RFU explained.

The appointment comes as the board look to rebuild their reputation after their handling of England’s 2011 World Cup campaign was roundly criticised in the press and by fans.

England had a dissapointing World Cup topped off by scandals on and off the field.