Cardiff Rugby have announced Jon Flatman as the club's new chief executive officer. The 48-year-old will take up the role in January after serving his notice period at Barnsley, where he has been CEO since February 2024.
The Arms Park club have not had a full-time CEO in place since Richard Holland left the role 18 months ago. An executive search was launched in August, with Flatman described by the club as the "outstanding candidate in a competitive process".
Football and rugby background
Prior to working at Barnsley, Flatman had a rugby background, having worked on the Rugby League World Cup in 2022. He was also chair of York Rugby League Football Club, leading the team's sale. He was a regular at Sale Sharks games at Heywood Road and played throughout school and university.
Flatman joined Barnsley as chief revenue officer in 2023, overseeing a record year for commercial sales, before stepping up as CEO, initially on an interim basis before taking the role permanently in February 2024. During his time at Barnsley, he has also served on the English Football League board as well as the EFL commercial committee.
Two major priorities
"Stepping into this role is a tremendous privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly," said Flatman. "Cardiff Rugby has such a rich history and we have big ambitions for the future."
"Rugby is more than a business, it is a lifeblood of our community and Cardiff Rugby is at the heart of it. Like every supporter, I love the game and I believe in everything Cardiff Rugby represents."
"My mandate is clear – to build a resilient commercial foundation off the pitch so we can fuel a fierce, competitive and ultimately winning team on it. There are well-documented challenges but our commitment to the club and its people is absolute."
"Taking the club back into private, independent ownership and resolving a long-term future at Cardiff Arms Park are the two major priorities, while we remain committed to building through our pathway and build clear communication with direct and accountable governance."
Leadership team
Cardiff say that Jamie Muir will continue to lead the company ahead of Flatman's arrival before forming part of a senior leadership team. The club add that Muir will continue to play a key role across the business as managing director.
"We are delighted to welcome Jon to Cardiff Rugby," said Cardiff chair Scott Waddington. "The recruitment process was thorough and clearly illustrated Jon's outstanding commercial acumen, the ability to effectively manage complex stakeholder relationships, his experience in buying and selling businesses but also an infectious passion for rugby and deep respect for our heritage."
"Having Jon join the club as CEO, while retaining Jamie Muir as managing director, significantly strengthens our leadership, expertise and experience at a critical time for Welsh rugby. We are confident that he will expertly lead Cardiff Rugby through the next key stage of our growth and development to an exciting future for our club."
