Bransgrove steps down from dual role

By Bruce Talbot

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove has stepped aside as chief executive of the county after combining both roles for 12 years. Bransgrove will continue to work alongside new CEO David Mann, who has been Group Financial Director of Rose Bowl plc since September 2007.

Since taking over in 2000, Bransgrove has overseen Hampshire’s move from Northlands Road to the Ageas Bowl, playing a pivotal role in keeping the club in existence.  

He said: “This change is a natural development of the management structure of the Group and does not indicate any intent on my part to conclude or reduce my commitment to the success of this project.

“However, after 12 years of fulfilling a dual role, and having now stabilised the business with a significant re-investment package, the time is right for me to focus on my position as group chairman, taking responsibility for Board-related matters including strategic planning.

“In David Mann, we have an ideal candidate to take over the operational management of the group. He has excelled as Finance Director for the past five years and has been instrumental in the conclusion of the highly-complex re-investment transaction with Eastleigh Borough Council over the past year.

“His commitment and attention to detail has impressed all his colleagues on the Board and he enjoys excellent working relationships with all key staff. Simply put, David Mann provides me with the opportunity to take this important step back with full confidence in his stewardship.”

Before joining Rose Bowl plc, Mann held a number of senior financial positions in industry working as a Finance Director, Financial Controller and European Financial Controller including spells working in France and Spain. Prior to this, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG.

Mann said: “It is a privilege to be taking over as CEO of this business. We have a team of tremendously talented and committed people here and, working together with Eastleigh Borough Council, the England and Wales Cricket Board and our commercial partners and stakeholders, we look forward to building on Rod Bransgrove’s achievements over the last decade and making The Ageas Bowl one of the finest venues in the country, a legacy for future generations and something of which the people of Hampshire can be truly proud.”


Date: 30/10/2012 06:00:00 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Hampshire |