COVENTRY Rugby have confirmed CEO Nick Johnston will step down from his role at the end of the year.
Johnston cited the ‘barriers to promotion’ as the main reason for his decision to step down from his role as CEO.
Coventry failed to meet the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU’s) minimum standards criteria for promotion to the Premiership last season.
The Butts Park Arena club submitted their formal application for promotion to the Premiership in December last year when top of the Championship table.
However, the RFU have confirmed Coventry failed to meet the ground requirements necessary to compete in the Premiership.
The club will reveal a new structure following Johnston’s departure as soon as possible.
Johnston said: “I am very grateful to Jon Sharp for giving me the opportunity at Coventry and I am very proud of how much we have achieved together.
“The support of fans and staff has been magnificent and such an important part in transforming the club into what is now one of the best clubs in the country.
“However, the barriers to promotion have made investment much harder to come by and has meant that both the club and I have to rethink how we best satisfy our respective ambitions.
“Once again, I would like to thank all at Coventry Rugby Club for their support on what has been a great journey.”
Coventry’s executive chairman, Jon Sharp added: “Both the club and myself, personally, are grateful for all that Nick has done.
“Under his guidance, this club has been transformed into one that is a significant force both on and off the pitch.
“The combination of both his high performance and commercial expertise has been an invaluable asset and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Johnston joined Coventry as head of strategic development in 2018 and later became the club’s managing director.
He took up the CEO role in 2021 as Coventry secured successive third-place finishes in the Championship in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
