Rugby / Bristol Bears

Tom Tainton confirmed as Bristol Bears chief operating officer

By Martin Booth  Wednesday Aug 24, 2022

It’s a family affair at Bristol Bears, as Tom Tainton becomes chief operating officer, following in the footsteps of his uncle Mark Tainton who stepped down as chief executive earlier this year.

The 33-year-old has been at the club for more than a decade, originally working in the media team before rising to head of communications and most recently head of operations.

As well as becoming the Bears new chief operating officer, based at the Bears High Performance Centre in Failand, Tom is also now a director at Bears Women and a trustee of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation.

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“As somebody who has grown up in the city and been a part of the club through many highs and lows, I’m excited by the opportunity and what we can achieve as a team, on and off the field,” Tom said.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Pat Lam, Gavin Marshall and the board of directors in driving the club vision of inspiring our community through rugby success.”

Tom Tainton at the Bristol Bears High Performance Centre in Failand – photo: Bristol Bears

Mark Tainton stepped down as Bears chief exec in May – photo: JMP

Bristol Bears director Gavin Marshall, also group chief financial officer for Bristol Sport, said that Tom “has been an invaluable part of the club for more than a decade”.

“He helped oversee the launch of the successful rebrand to Bristol Bears, in 2018, and has been an instrumental part in developing Bears’ unique tone of voice.

“Since then, Tom has been a key member of the senior management team and, following our restructure this summer, will now lead on Bristol Bears’ strategic objectives with a focus on ensuring Bristol Bears Men, Women, Academy and Community are market leaders for years to come.”

Main photo: Bristol Bears

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