Northampton Saints today announces that the Club’s Chief Executive, Mark Darbon, will be stepping down from his role in November.
Darbon, 45, has led the Club for seven years having arrived at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in July 2017, and while he departs to pursue an exciting opportunity as Chief Executive of The R&A (based in St Andrews, Scotland), he will remain on the Northampton Saints board as a Non-Executive Director.
“Leaving Northampton Saints has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make,” said Darbon.
“Over the last seven years my family and I have loved our time in Northampton, and developed a passion and attachment for Saints which will stay with us forever.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved during my tenure. Rugby has faced some significant challenges, but the Club is well positioned to continue to be successful into the future, on and off the pitch, whilst remaining at the centre of our local community in Northampton.”
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive
“It has been a real team effort, and I have relied on the support of the Club’s owners, board of Directors, shareholders, partners, players, staff and supporters throughout my time here.
“I want to thank everyone at the Club for their hard work, commitment, and capability which allowed us not only to top the Gallagher Premiership this season, but also to achieve record-breaking commercial results year after year.
“My family and I will remain very close to the Club as fans, and I’m delighted to be staying on in some capacity at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens by remaining on the board as a Non-Executive Director. I’m looking forward to seeing where our players, coaches and staff – particularly those that we have developed here at the Club – can take Northampton Saints in the years ahead.”
Darbon arrived in Northampton boasting a wealth of experience from some of the world’s biggest brands both inside and outside the world of sport, working as a commercial director for Diageo Plc before helping to lead the delivery team for the London Olympics between 2009 and 2012 – becoming Head of Olympic Park Operations for the duration of the Games themselves.
Subsequently he had leading roles at Tough Mudder and Madison Sports Group, delivering mass participation sports events and professional cycling races across the world, before being appointed at Saints.
As Chief Executive at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Darbon has expertly guided the Club through a period of transition and turbulence.
On the pitch, he oversaw a transformation of the rugby set-up, initially appointing Chris Boyd as Director of Rugby and investing into the Club’s pathway system as well as a group of young, English coaches. Those changes saw Saints begin to play the most attractive brand of rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, with a new crop of Academy graduates forming the spine of the playing squad.
Darbon’s succession plan allowed for a seamless transition for current Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, upon Boyd’s departure. Dowson – alongside his team of coaches and players – continued to build on the foundations set and hit new heights during the 2023/24 campaign, lifting the Gallagher Premiership trophy as Champions for the first time in a decade.
Meanwhile, a significant restructuring of the Club’s commercial approach and staff has also seen Saints go from strength to strength away from the pitch during Darbon’s tenure.
The 45-year-old helped Saints effectively navigate through arguably the most-challenging period in the Club’s 144-year history, with the men in Black, Green and Gold emerging in a strong position in spite of the coronavirus pandemic and three other English clubs being placed into administration.
Saints remain firmly on the path to financial sustainability with record revenues posted year after year across ticketing, hospitality and commercial partnerships. Moreover, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is now a world-class multipurpose venue, and the Club continues to benefit from thriving conferencing and events businesses.
Darbon has enhanced communication and the relationship with Saints’ supporters, and the Club’s matchday experience feedback scores consistently place the Gardens as the best venue to watch rugby in the country (and far above the industry average across all sports).
He has also masterminded several new projects and initiatives such as summer concerts on the pitch, the development of the Tunnel Club and High Performance Centre, partnerships with Bedford Blues and Loughborough Lightning, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 host venue bid.
Two further projects – the hotel development and new Club crest – are in progress and Darbon will continue to oversee these until his departure in November.
John White, Chairman at Northampton Saints, said: “Mark has done a fantastic job during his seven years leading the Club, and leaves Saints in a very strong position for the future – on and off the pitch.
“He has helped us to cultivate an incredibly talented group of players, coaches, and support staff who know how to win games of rugby, and a commercial staff who know our business inside out. So, I have no doubt they all will continue to drive the Club forwards after Mark’s departure.”
John White, Chairman
“Our attention now shifts to appointing Mark’s successor, and of course we will inform our supporters and partners of any update in that process in due course. We are focused on ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible.
“Given Mark’s calibre and his capability as a leader, it was inevitable that one day he would be approached to take on a leading role within one of the most reputable sporting organisations in the world – so this move, while disappointing for the Club, is not surprising and we have planned for this moment.
“Leading The R&A as their Chief Executive is a fantastic opportunity for Mark, and we wish him and his family the very best up in Scotland. I’ve enjoyed every minute working with him, he deserves this opportunity, and I have no doubt that he will have a huge impact at The R&A and bring that organisation the same success as he has here at Saints.”
