Warrington Wolves announce new Chief Executive

WARRINGTON Wolves have announced their new Chief Executive as Roger Draper, the former Chief Executive of both Sport England and The Lawn Tennis Association.
Draper, who also played for London Broncos, has been involved in the business of sport for over 20 years and will bring extensive sports management, commercial and administrative success and experience to the role. He will join Warrington Wolves on March 2nd.
He is a former England students international Rugby League player and started his career at the RFL in 1992 as London Rugby League Development Manager, where he also played with the London Broncos. During his time at Sport England Draper was accountable for investment of £450 million in sporting projects across England and was Accounting Officer for the completion of the Wembley National Stadium project .
He also played a key role in the successful London 2012 Olympic bid and led the completion of the £120 million English Institute of Sport, including major new centres at Bath and Loughborough . Whilst leading British tennis he completed a groundbreaking £25 million commercial partner deal with Aegon and grew the turnover of the business by 45% to £ 65 million .
Simon Moran, owner of Warrington Wolves, said: ” We had a very strong field of candidates and in Roger we have the person with the right blend of Rugby League background and management skills to lead the club as CEO and ensure that the Warrington Wolves continue to go from strength to strength.”
Professor Steven Broomhead, Chairman of Warrington Wolves, said: “The Warrington Wolves Board of Directors are delighted to have appointed an outstanding new Chief Executive and we look forward to Roger joining us. We are an ambitious club and Roger’s reputation as a leader and team builder makes him, to my mind , a great fit to take our great club forward.”
Draper said: ” I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chief Executive at Warrington Wolves. As a former player, coach and sport business leader, the prospect of helping shape the future of one of the best Rugby League clubs in the world is one I am really energised by and looking forward to. The club has incredible potential to be fulfilled both on and off the pitch and I can’t wait to work with everyone at Warrington Wolves in playing my part to ensure that happens.”
Tony Smith, head of coaching and rugby, said: ” I’m looking forward to working with Roger. We have already met and shared our beliefs and views about what is required to move the club forward. He has an excellent background in sport at the highest level and together we know where collectively we can make a difference.”