The chief executive of England Rugby 2015 (ER2015), Debbie Jevans CBE, has resigned for “personal reasons”.
She has led the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee since October 2012, almost immediately following her role as head of sport at London 2012.
“This is the right decision for me to make at this time. I am immensely proud of the team and all that we have achieved in the time that I have been Chief Executive” Jevans said in a statement.
“Everything is in place to ensure that this is the best Rugby World Cup ever, and I am confident my team will deliver an exceptional tournament. The organisation is strong, there is a great team in place and I am really looking forward to watching the Rugby World Cup as a fan later this year.”
The 2015 Rugby World Cup is on track to break records for attendance and revenues. All aspects of tournament preparations are on or ahead of schedule, with over 1.9 million tickets sold to date.
She leaves a highly experienced event delivery Executive team in place, which will now report to Stephen Brown as the new Managing Director, who will work alongside ER2015 Chairman Andy Cosslett.
“On behalf of the ER2015 Board I would like to extend our enormous appreciation for all that Debbie has brought to the role,” said Cosslett. “Her legacy will be seen during and after the tournament is delivered, with a sporting event that I fully believe will be both memorable and inspiring, creating a step change in interest and participation for the game in this country.”
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said “On behalf of World Rugby I would like to thank Debbie for her vision, dedication and leadership in implementing everything we need for an exceptional Rugby World Cup and wish her all the best for the future.
“England 2015 is in record-breaking shape with a strong and experienced organising committee in place, all stakeholders fully behind a shared vision and tournament delivery tracking ahead of schedule. We are confident that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be the biggest and best to date.”
