Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 11:07am

Martin joins as Chief Exec

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LONDON Irish have announced finance man Andy Martin as their new Chief Executive after Graham Walpole stepped down from the position on Tuesday.

Walpole has left the club to pursue other interests and the Board were quick to announce Martin, who is currently Managing Director for Global Sales at Barclays Commercial Bank, as his successor.

The new man will take over the reins from Tuesday, September 1 and he can"t wait to get started.

He said: 'The opportunity to combine my passion for sport with my commercial experience is one I am truly excited about.

'Having watched London Irish come so close to winning the Guinness Premiership last season, I very much look forward to joining the club and working to assist London Irish in becoming the best rugby team in Europe - both on and off the pitch.'

Martin, who has an MBA from Henley Management College, has 18 years experience of building and leading international businesses across various industry segments.

Since 2006, he has been Managing Director of Global Transactional Sales, responsible for the strategic design and build of a global sales network and industry brand across the world.

London Irish chairman Andrew Coppel, is thrilled to have him on board. He said: 'Andy has demonstrated a real track record of success in the sales function of Barclays, both regionally, in the UK, and globally.

'With his broad experience, I am confident that he can lead the club to greater financial success, building on the momentum created both on and off the pitch.'