Ian Ritchie
England
player portrait
Full name Ian Ritchie
Born November 27, 1953
Current age 70 years 113 days
Other Administrator
Notes
Rugby Football Union chief executive
Profile

Ian Ritchie was unveiled as the Rugby Football Union's latest chief executive in December 2011.

He joined English rugby's governing body from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) - the home of the Wimbledon Championships - having spent six years as their chief executive.

Educated at Leeds Grammar School and Trinity College, Oxford, he originally trained as a barrister and since amassed over three decades' experience across business, media and sport. He was appointed to the board of the Football League in 2004 as its first independent director. He has been a Football League Representative on the Football Association Council since 2008. Ritchie is also chairman of the Football League's commercial committee and its wholly owned subsidiary FL interactive, as well as being a director of Wembley Stadium Ltd.

He was previously a vice president with Associated Press between 2000-05, and chief executive of Middle East Broadcasting between 1998-2000. Prior to that he worked with Russell Reynolds Associates and Channel 5 Broadcasting.

Ritchie biggest achievement to date was his successful behind-the-scenes efforts to broker a settlement to the European club rugby dispute in 2014 which at one time threatened to leave England isolated.

Latest Articles
RFU CEO Ritchie issues support for Lancaster (Jan 23, 2015) RFU opens door for Lions approach (Oct 5, 2014) England coaches subject to post-World Cup review (Oct 2, 2014) All Blacks 'acid test' of England's progress (Apr 25, 2014) RFU determined to connect with the nation (Sep 17, 2013) Ian Ritchie news and articles (23) »
Latest Photos
Sep 17, 2013
The Rugby Football Union launches the Posts in the Park initiative
The Rugby Football Union launches the Posts in the Park initiative
©  Seconds Left Images
Sep 17, 2013
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, Lawrence Dallaglio and ER 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, Lawrence Dallaglio and ER 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans
©  Seconds Left Images
Oct 31, 2012
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie poses with the World Cup trophy
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie poses with the World Cup trophy
©  Getty Images
Oct 31, 2012
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, former international Jason Leonard and RFU rugby development director Steve Grainger
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie, former international Jason Leonard and RFU rugby development director Steve Grainger
©  Getty Images
Ian Ritchie rugby photos (9) »

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