Saracens CEO Mark Thompson Departs After Ten-Month Term

Saracens chief executive officer Mark Thompson has exited his position at the Premiership club with immediate effect, after serving for 10 months. He had taken over from Lucy Wray as the club’s chief executive officer at the end of January. Thompson, previously the chief operating officer at Burnley, had assumed the role by succeeding Lucy Wray at the close of January. During his period as CEO, the north London club advanced to the Premiership play-off semi-finals, where they were defeated 22-20 by Northampton Saints, who subsequently became the champions. Saracens announced that Thompson’s departure from the club occurred by “mutual consent,” and Hamish Wilson is set to assume the position of the new chief operating officer. A statement published on the club’s official website, external, noted, “Mark made a meaningful impact in several areas of the business.” The statement further conveyed, “The board acknowledges and appreciates the hard work and passion he poured into the role and the club.” The club also commented that Wilson, his replacement, “brings excellent experience and insight to the role.” Concluding its statement, the club remarked, “He [Wilson] will be well supported by those already at the club, who will play an important role in providing continuity and business leadership as we navigate this next chapter.” Before joining Saracens, Thompson had a two-year period at Burnley, where he witnessed the conclusion of Sean Dyche’s management and the club’s relegation to the Championship, prior to Vincent Kompany guiding them directly back to the Premier League. In an extensive interview with BBC Sport conducted in March, Thompson indicated that the community engagement and organizational culture were key elements that attracted him to the position at StoneX Stadium.