Andrew Cosslett Appointed as England Rugby 2015 Chairman

Andrew Cosslett, The International Rugby Board welcomes the appointment by the Rugby Football Union of Andrew Coslett as Chairman of England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), the tournament organising company that will deliver Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. Cosslett, the former Chief Executive Officer of Inter Continental Hotels Group plc, who has held the post of Interim Chairman, takes up the role in April 2012.

After a comprehensive selection process, Cosslett was chosen for his international business experience and leadership skills built over 30 years in consumer facing industries. In addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group, between 2005-2011, Cosslett was a Board member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council, a member of the President’s Committee of the Confederation of British Industry and a Board member of the International Tourism Partnership.

Before this Cosslett spent 14 years with Cadbury Schweppes in roles including: Chairman, Australia; Chief Executive, Asia Pacific; Managing Director, Great Britain and Ireland and President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Cosslett, together with Paul Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer ER 2015, will lead the ER 2015 Board which includes: RFU Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ritchie; RFU Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Brown; Professional Game Board Chairman, Ian Metcalfe; Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former RFU President, John Owen; RFU Council member and Chairman of the Championship Clubs Geoff Irvine and Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and the UK Government’s Chief Operating Officer, Ian Watmore.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby World Cup Limited welcomes this key appointment which represents an important step in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015. The successful delivery of one of the world’s largest sporting events is founded on partnership, teamwork, vision and strong leadership. Andy certainly possesses all the necessary attributes to oversee the delivery of what promises to be a special tournament. We are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Andy, Paul Vaughan and the England Rugby 2015 team to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

Cosslett said: “I am passionate about the game and delighted to be able to play my part in delivering Rugby World Cup 2015. England 2015 is a great challenge but a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to working with Paul Vaughan, England Rugby 2015, the Rugby Football Union and Rugby World Cup Limited to deliver what we intend to be the best Rugby World Cup yet.”

Ian Ritchie, Rugby Football Union Chief Executive, added: “Andy Cosslett’s attributes and experience will no doubt bring huge benefits to the role of England Rugby 2015 Chairman. The Rugby World Cup in England provides a unique and very exciting opportunity and we look forward to working closely with Andy, England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited to help create a legacy that will benefit the sport for generations to come.”

Paul Vaughan, England Rugby 2015 Chief Executive, added: “I am sure Andy Cosslett will make a great Chairman for England Rugby 2015. The international business and marketing skills that he brings to the Board will continue to be invaluable in his new role as Chairman. He has great empathy with the Game and I think we will make a great team.”

Brief Andy Cosslett CV

• Board Member – World Travel and Tourism Council (2005-2011)
• Member of the Presidents Council – Confederation of British Industry (2005-2011)
• Board Member – International Tourism Partnership (2005-2011)
• Chief Executive – Inter Continental Hotels Group (2005 – 2011)
• Chairman – Duchy Originals (2005-2008)
• President, Europe, Middle East and Africa – Cadbury Schweppes (2003-2005)
• Managing Director, Great Britain & Ireland – Cadbury Schweppes (2000-2003)
• Chairman, Australia – Cadbury Schweppes (1998-2000)
• Chief Executive, Asia Pacific – Cadbury Schweppes (1994-2000)
• Managing Director Schweppes GB (1992-1994)
• Marketing Director Schweppes GB (1990-1992)
• Unilever PLC (1979-1990)

About Rugby World Cup: Rugby World Cup is one of the five largest sports events in the world and is the financial driving force behind the development and growth of Rugby worldwide. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. The 2011 tournament in New Zealand enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of 3.9 billion and was broadcast in 202 territories.

About the Rugby Football Union (RFU): The Rugby Football Union is the National Governing Body for rugby union in England and supports participants and fans from the grassroots to the national team.

About England Rugby 2015 Ltd (ER 2015): England Rugby 2015 Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the RFU, set up as the body to deliver the Rugby World Cup 2015.