Wasps’ Armstrong Steps Down

Wasps Group CEO, David Armstrong will be stepping down in June, at the conclusion of the rugby, netball and concert seasons. Deputy chairman, Nick Eastwood will take on the role. Armstrong will remain on the board of Wasps as a non-executive director.

Derek Richardson, Wasps’ chairman, commented:

“David’s impact on Wasps has been huge, from leading the original purchase of the Ricoh Arena and the club’s relocation to Coventry, to the launch of our Retail Bond, the redevelopment of our hotel, developing our new fan base at the Ricoh and the launch of Wasps Netball. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for the tremendous impact he has had on the club. He leaves the business and management team well positioned to continue its growth and we will continue to benefit from his expertise as he continues to serve on the board.

“I am delighted that Nick [Eastwood] will be taking on the role of Group CEO. He has been at the heart of the club for the last five years and played a crucial role in its transformation. His experience in rugby, operations, strategy, finance and at Twickenham which is a multi- purpose venue, mean that he is uniquely qualified for the role and I have every confidence in our future under his leadership.”

Nick Eastwood joined Wasps as chief executive in 2012 on the back of a successful 12-year spell with the RFU, where he helped to grow the RFU’s net worth from £35m to £180m and profits from a loss of £5m to profit of £15m, while playing a key role in steering the governing body through an economic downturn.