WRU Chief Commercial Officer Leighton Davies Steps Down as Tomos Grace Named Successor

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that chief commercial officer Leighton Davies is standing down, with former Google and YouTube executive Tomos Grace appointed as his successor.

Crynant-born Davies, who became WRU chief commercial officer last summer after joining the organisation as chief financial officer in March 2024, has decided to retire. During his time at the union, he oversaw the development of a new five-year financial plan aimed at strengthening Welsh rugby’s long-term sustainability.

One of Davies’ most significant achievements was securing a new food and beverage partnership at the Principality Stadium with US firm Aramark. The agreement replaced a 25-year deal with Compass that had been in place since the stadium opened in 1999.

The WRU has also confirmed that chief executive Abi Tierney will return to her role full-time in January. Tierney has been undergoing medical treatment following a cancer diagnosis and began a phased return to work in November.

Grace, who is Cardiff-born and fluent in Welsh, German and French, brings more than 20 years’ experience in the global sports media industry. His career has spanned roles in London, Paris and Berlin, beginning at Canal+ in France before moving to Eurosport as head of business development, where he helped launch early digital services.

In 2011, Grace joined YouTube’s sport team and rose to become head of sport for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He later expanded his remit as head of media and sport for the region, delivering major partnerships with organisations including FIFA, the IOC and BT Sport, notably overseeing free-to-air streaming of UEFA Champions League finals on YouTube. Most recently, he has led media strategy and operations at YouTube.

Grace will officially take up his new role next month, assuming responsibility for the WRU’s commercial strategy across sponsorship, broadcast and digital rights, fan engagement, communications and maximising the commercial potential of the Principality Stadium as a major multi-use venue.

Mr Grace said: “I’ve been lucky in my career to work at large organisations in different countries but the opportunity to come home to contribute to the revival of Welsh rugby makes this an irresistible challenge.

“Whether with the national teams or at Principality Stadium, huge commercial opportunities exist. These have one single, clear objective - investment in Welsh rugby.

“We’ll do this by innovating, by learning from global best practice and by working in partnership with our commercial and rugby stakeholders across Wales. I can’t wait to get started.”

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney welcomed the appointment, highlighting Grace’s blend of global experience and cultural understanding.

Ms Tierney said: “Tomos brings world-class expertise and a deep understanding of both global media and Welsh culture.

“His experience in forging strategic partnerships and driving digital innovation will help us unlock new opportunities for growth across rugby and beyond.

“As we continue to build a sustainable future for the game, his appointment reflects our ambitions to position Welsh rugby at the forefront of commercial and technological advancement.

“Tomos is the ideal fit at the right time to take the helm of a new commercial team at the WRU which will drive our business and help us achieve our ambitions for the game in Wales.

“Finally, may I also pay tribute to Leighton Davies for his outstanding contribution to the business during his time at the union. He has helped put Welsh rugby back on a sound financial footing and also helped build the significantly enhanced commercial team Tomos will now inherit.”

Davies said he leaves the role with pride in what has been achieved.

Mr Davies said: “It has been a privilege to serve Welsh rugby and to help build a solid financial foundation and a clear plan for record turnover in 2026 and future growth beyond.

“Over the past two years we have delivered a major turnaround, secured landmark partnerships such as the new multi-million-pound food and beverage partnership agreement with Aramark which will deliver significant additional investment into Welsh rugby.

"We have also built a strong commercial team and with those foundations in place, it’s the right time to pass on the baton for my role on the WRU executive team. I wish Tomos and the WRU well and will continue to be a passionate advocate for Welsh rugby."