Warrington Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe is to step down early in the new year after 15 years in charge.
Since his appointment in 2000, he has played a major role in the club achieving its current heights not only within the game but also within the business community.
Since taking on the position in the latter stages of the club’s time at Wilderspool Andy was at the forefront of the move to the purpose-built Halliwell Jones Stadium and its recent expansion.
The transition saw many highs and lows but the proactive nature of both Andy and the club has resulted in the Wolves now becoming a leading club and business within the sport, driven not only by the success on the pitch in three Challenge Cup finals and two Super League Grand Final appearances but also off it, with the club being at the very heart of the borough-wide community.
Over the past 15 years, Andy has prided himself on leading from the front, be it from capitalising on big name signings and International Rugby League to match-day initiatives and developing partnerships with global brands.
Andy said: “While it is sad to be leaving the club, I take with me so many very special memories from my time as chief executive, having led a truly professional team of people who have pulled together for the good of the club.
“I am extremely proud of what we have all achieved and for the genuine respect gained from all our commercial and community partners. A special mention must be given to Warrington Borough Council who throughout my time have been consistent supporters, assisting in our becoming a ‘leading template sports club’.
“The club will continue to develop and will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
Professor Steven Broomhead, chairman of Warrington Wolves, commented: “ Andy has , in the past 15 years, been a relentless, passionate advocate for the Wolves and Rugby League development in the town. He has been a great sporting entrepreneur and we have moved from being an ailing club in the 1990s to a major force in the world of Rugby League. Andy has made a really significant contribution to this and he will be greatly missed, as he moves on to an exciting new set of challenges in the commercial sector. The club will shortly be making arrangements for Andy’s successor.”
Club owner Simon Moran added: “I would personally like to thank Andy for his tremendous efforts and achievements over the last 15 years with the club; the very difficult time in the first few years at Wilderspool and then being instrumental in seeing the new stadium become a reality should be hugely appreciated by all Warrington supporters.”
