Sharks have a new boss
Sale Sharks owners Brian Kennedy and Ian Blackhurst revealed that Gordon McKie has agreed to join the club as Chairman with immediate effect.
During his career, Gordon has held a number of senior positions within business.
Between 2005 and 2011, he was Chief Executive of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU). When he joined the SRU, it was widely known that the business was close to insolvency. Six years later, he left behind a solid platform and improved financial base, having increased commercial revenues and re-organised the whole structure of the organisation. He also improved the reputation of the business amongst its many stakeholders.
At the time of his leaving, former SRU Chairman Allan Munro said: ''Gordon provided great leadership, accountability, stability and transformed the organisation during his six years in charge."
After leaving the SRU, Gordon became Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Football Association. During his tenure, he secured several significant sponsorship agreements including the HKFA's biggest ever commercial sponsorship deal with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which included the establishment of a local Academy initiative involving Manchester United FC.
Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy said: "I have known Gordon for several years and I believe he is the man to Chair the club at this stage.
"He is highly respected within the game of Rugby Union and his commercial, organisation and administration experience will be of great benefit to the club. I am also pleased to confirm that James Jennings will become Deputy Chairman, having acted as a Non-Executive of the Club for the last two seasons.
"James will continue to represent the Club on the Board of Premiership Rugby, and in its relations with the RFU and the wider game, thus ensuring that the Club fully participates in the key issues that will affect the future of professional rugby."
Speaking following his appointment Gordon McKie said: '' I am pleased to take on this new challenge at this stage in my career and become involved again with sport. With my experience of business, and more specifically performance rugby, I am hopeful that I can build upon what has been achieved to date by Brian and Ian. In my capacity as Chairman, I look forward to working with the Board, and supporting the management team, the staff and the loyal supporters in contributing to the future success of the club..
