Bath Rugby has appointed Ben Wells as chief commercial officer to oversee all business-related activities of the club, including the marketing, commercial and operations departments, as well as performing a key role in the stadium redevelopment project team.
At the same time managing director Tarquin McDonald has become chief executive, reflecting the development of his role across all areas of the club, including the stadium project. 
Ben Wells, pictured, initially joined the Premiership club on a consultancy basis earlier this year.
He has wide experience in senior commercial and marketing roles, including head of marketing for Chelsea FC and commercial director at Reading FC.
His expertise includes new technologies and the digital space, stadium experience, and enhancing the relationship with core supporters and fans.
Tarquin McDonald said: “Ben’s vast experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club as we strive to realise our goals.
“We want Bath Rugby to be an exceptional club both on and off the field. As we continue to invest in players, staff and the required support structures that will give us the best chance of being successful on the pitch, we are also looking to create an exceptional new stadium in the heart of Bath.
“Ben will ensure that we keep our loyal supporters and the community at the heart of everything we do, that we continue to build a club they are proud of, and that we create a club that is self-sustaining over the long term.”
Ben Wells added: “I am delighted to be joining Bath Rugby at this exciting time. The club has a rich heritage and an exciting vision for the future. Having been involved for the past six months on the stadium redevelopment project I have seen first-hand the unique bond between the city of Bath, the club and its supporters.
“We have a wonderful opportunity to build on that as we look to take the club to the next level, both on and off the pitch, and I am looking forward to being a part of that.”
Bath Rugby has a long-term ambition to redevelop The Rec into a world-class stadium but its plans have been bogged down in legal arguments for many years. It has made a number of stop-gap improvements to the stadium over recent years.
