Premiership champions Northampton Saints have announced Julia Chapman as their new chief executive. Chapman, who has been promoted from her role as chief operating officer, succeeds Mark Darbon, who is leaving to become CEO of golf’s R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland.
A Cambridge University graduate and qualified chartered accountant, Chapman joined Northampton Saints as finance director in 2016. She played a crucial role in stabilizing the club’s finances during the Covid pandemic.
Chapman described her promotion as a natural progression, noting, “We’ve seen a period of success, on and off the pitch, over the last few years but there are still so many opportunities for us to develop and a lot to play for as a business.”
She acknowledged the challenges ahead for both the club and the wider rugby landscape but expressed confidence in the club’s strategy and her understanding of its finances, which she believes will help in returning to profitability.
Northampton Saints won the Premiership title last season with a 25-21 victory over Bath at Twickenham, their first title in a decade. However, the club reported a £1.1 million loss before tax for the year ending June 2023, despite a record turnover of nearly £22 million.
Chapman will officially assume her new role at the end of November. Chairman John White praised her as the “stand-out choice,” emphasizing her deep understanding of the club’s priorities and her potential to drive future success.
Chapman becomes the second female chief executive in the Premiership, joining Andrea Pinchen of Leicester Tigers. Lucy Wray stepped down from the role at Saracens earlier this year.
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