The appointment will see Lynne lead Bath Rugby’s charity to ensure that it continues to grow, is wide reaching in its impact and positively benefits vulnerable children and young people in the city and surrounding areas.

It comes at an exciting time for the Foundation as the charity returns to the heart of the city, moving into a new premises at the Recreation Ground in September 2017.

Lynne’s connection with the city began six years ago when, as a director at Bath News and Media and editor of the Bath Chronicle, she helped lead the company through a series of changes, including the growth of its online and social media presence, the production of a business and award-winning lifestyle magazine and the introduction of Sports Awards, Apprenticeship Awards and Women in Business Awards.

Lynne has also served on the board of Bath Business Improvement District, chairing its Developing and Innovating Committee and most recently worked as a Strategic Communications Consultant. She brings extensive leadership and business development experience to her role as CEO.

Lynne Fernquest said, "I am excited and honoured to have been appointed the first CEO of Bath Rugby Foundation. I have respected the charity since my arrival in the city and watched in admiration as it delivers innovative and exciting programmes time and time again. Using sport to influence so many young lives for the better and enabling children and young adults to succeed, in the most challenging of circumstances, is the most noble of aims.

“My ambition is for the Foundation to be as influential off the pitch as Bath Rugby is on the pitch.

“Bath is famed for its Georgian architecture and is known the world over for its rugby heritage. What is less well known is that one in five children in this great city lives in poverty and that the life expectancy of a baby born in Bear Flat is 10 years longer than one born in Twerton – and those areas are just over two miles apart.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with businesses, local authorities, other charities and indeed everyone in this city to change that prognosis.”

Stuart Doughty, chairman of trustees at Bath Rugby Foundation said, “Lynne is an excellent addition to the team and I have no doubt that she will have a significant impact at a time of great growth and development for us. This appointment is an important step for us as the charity looks to expand – raising aspirations and empowering more young people than ever before. We’re so pleased to have Lynne’s leadership experience and knowledge of the area to help accelerate our progress.”

Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby and Foundation trustee said, “Lynne has already made a significant impact as a trustee of the Bath Rugby Foundation and I could not think of a better person to shape its future.

“Her knowledge of not only the Foundation, but this city itself will be invaluable in what promises to be an extremely exciting future for Bath Rugby and its charity.”

Bath Rugby Foundation appoints Lynne Fernquest as charity’s first CEO

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