Derek McGrath departs ERC
31-10-2014
Issued on behalf of Jean-Pierre Lux
CEO oversaw spectacular growth of European professional club rugby
As announced earlier this year, ERC Chief Executive, Derek McGrath, who has overseen the spectacular growth of European professional club rugby during a 14-year period, will be standing down from his role.
Derek McGrath was appointed Chief Executive of European Rugby Cup Ltd in 2000 when the company was established in Dublin as a new entity distinct from the Six Nations.
Under his stewardship, the Heineken Cup and the Challenge Cup grew in profile and stature at a remarkable rate attracting millions of fans to games across eight European countries. The development of a consistent and exacting delivery, as well as a global media distribution, allowed the tournaments to find their own special niche between the domestic and international game within each territory.
In recent seasons, the tournament finals weekend came to be recognised as one of the premier events in world rugby.
He was at the helm during a period of sustained commercial success for the tournaments which saw revenues increase from €14 million per annum in 1999 to €54 million in 2014 while annual Heineken Cup attendances doubled during the same period.
Following a decision of European club rugby shareholders last April to set up a new body, EPCR, to run the tournaments and to locate its headquarters in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Derek agreed to a request from the Board of ERC to remain in place to manage the transition between the two organisations until the 2014/15 European season got underway.
Paying tribute to Derek McGrath, ERC independent Chairman, Jean-Pierre Lux, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Derek for more than 14 years. His expertise and his in-depth knowledge of the world of rugby enabled ERC to reach extraordinary levels with revenues growing from €14 million in 1999 to a projected revenue of close to €70 million for the 2014/15 season if ERC had continued as the organising body of European professional club rugby. Above all, under his direction the Heineken Cup was widely regarded as the leading club tournament in world rugby.
“I am convinced that rugby needs people of his calibre and I hope that his many qualities will see him continue to succeed in whatever new challenge he takes on. I would like to thank him sincerely for his 14 years in charge of ERC and I wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
The former Ireland international has decided to explore new challenges in the corporate world and will leave ERC today (Friday, 31 October).
ERC has entered into an agreement with EPCR to assist with the delivery of the European Rugby Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup tournaments until the end of the 2014/15 season. ERC’s Director of Business and Regulatory Services, Roger O’Connor, will take on the role of Managing Director and will work alongside the Chairman, Jean-Pierre Lux, and the staff during this period of transition.