Cornish Pirates Appoint Sally Pettipher as New CEO

In a significant move for Cornish Pirates, the club has announced the appointment of Sally Pettipher as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The news was confirmed on 14th August 2024, marking a new chapter in the club’s leadership.

Sally Pettipher: No Stranger to the Pirates

Sally Pettipher is far from a newcomer to the Cornish Pirates. Over the past three years, she has been intricately involved with the club as Chief of Staff to Sir Dicky Evans, working closely with all facets of the organisation. Her deep familiarity with the team, its culture, and its operational dynamics has made her a natural fit for the CEO position.

A Strong Background in Rugby Leadership

Before joining the Cornish Pirates, Sally held the position of Chief Executive of the Atlas Foundation, an international rugby charity. In this role, she transformed the organisation from a start-up into a global enterprise that champions child welfare and education through rugby. Her leadership at the foundation demonstrated her capability to steer large, complex organisations and make a meaningful impact.

Sally’s experience in the rugby world extends even further. At the Rugby Football Union (RFU), she played a pivotal role in developing the All Schools’ Programme, a legacy project from the 2015 Rugby World Cup aimed at increasing rugby participation across schools in England.

Advocating for Player Welfare and Safety

Beyond her executive roles, Sally is also known for her advocacy in sports safety. She is a founding Trustee of two national sports charities, one of which is dedicated to combating head injuries across all sports. In this capacity, she has advised the Government on concussion technologies and protocols for amateur sports, highlighting her commitment to player welfare.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Sustainability for the Pirates

Sally expressed her gratitude and excitement in a brief statement, saying, “I am grateful to Sir Richard and to the Board of Cornish Pirates for this privilege. Pirates gets under your skin, and I’ve been a huge fan from the first moment I met the team there: players, coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. I am looking forward to ensuring the long-term sustainability of this historic club.”

Her focus on sustainability hints at her plans to guide the Cornish Pirates towards a stable and prosperous future, building on the club’s historic legacy.

Upcoming Public Appearance

Sally Pettipher will make her first public appearance as CEO at the club’s “Meet the Players” evening on 15th August 2024. She is expected to address supporters and take questions from the media. However, until then, no further comments will be made by Sally or the club.

This appointment marks a significant step for the Cornish Pirates, as they look to bolster their leadership and continue their journey in the rugby world.