London Irish confirm Mark Bensted OBE as new CEO

London Irish have announced the appointment of Mark Bensted OBE as the club's next Chief Executive.

Bensted will take up his new position from 1 January 2021, replacing outgoing CEO Brian Facer, who is moving to British Cycling as their CEO in the New Year.

Mark – who received an OBE in 2011 for his services to the Marine industry – will make the move from Powerday plc, the company owned by London Irish Owner and President Mick Crossan, where he’s been employed as Chief Executive since May 2010.

Before then, Bensted was previously employed by British Waterways as their London Director, where he was responsible for overseeing operations, property and leisure, including major developments at Canary Wharf and Paddington Basin, as well as the Olympic Park as part of the 2012 London Olympics.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining London Irish and to be leading the Executive Team at this important time in the club’s development.

“Having been a Board Director since 2013 and led on many of the strategic initiatives during this period, I am really looking forward to working with the management team and our Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, in our drive for success on and off the field.”

London Irish Owner and President, Mick Crossan, said: “I am delighted that we've concluded the search for our new CEO with the appointment of Mark.

“We have moved quickly to replace Brian, as we recognise this is a key period in the club’s history, following our recent move back to London and into our new home at the Brentford Community Stadium.

“Having worked closely with Mark over the last decade, I know he will bring business skill and passion to the role and given his knowledge and involvement in the club over the last seven years, he was a natural choice to succeed Brian as we look to build on the strong foundations already in place.”