One of Super League’s longest serving Chief Executives, James Clark, will depart Hull FC later this month after 15 years loyal service to the Black & Whites.
James, in his 16th season with the club, joined the Airlie Birds in 2009 and has been part of some notable achievements throughout that time.
Back-to-back Challenge Cup successes and the club’s first ever win at Wembley will undoubtedly be career highlights, alongside some noteworthy off-field accomplishments, including being named Super League Club of the Year.
He has overseen the Black & Whites successful rating as one of just six ‘Grade A’ clubs in the sport in the recent IMG grading announcement, whilst driving record commercial growth across all departments and helping to steer the club through the crippling coronavirus pandemic.
One of the most worthwhile endeavours was restoring the club’s own youth pathway with the launch of the Hull FC Centre of Excellence, which now boasts no fewer than fourteen teams across male, female and disability competitions, with the club’s academy setup rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Rugby Football League.
James, one of the youngest CEOs in professional sport, has contributed to a raft of fan engagement initiatives and a revamped commercial strategy, which has seen the club achieve record memberships and merchandise sales during his tenure, as well as securing some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in the club’s history.
Big name partners such as Castore, Jacuzzi and Ecostrad have been brought to the club, whilst record shirt sponsorship has already been completed for the 2025 season.
After over a decade of committed service to the club, James has now decided the time is right to move on to his next challenge.
Speaking to hullfc.com, he said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided to leave Hull FC – a club I love dearly and have been incredibly proud to serve – but the time is right for the club and myself.
“I am grateful to Adam for his understanding and for the opportunity to be part of such a special club, as well as the many fantastic people – staff, players and coaches – we have had the privilege to call colleagues and friends over the last 15 years.
“I will sorely miss coming into the club every day – especially with the most hardworking, loyal and committed group of staff you could wish to be a part of.
“I’d also like to thank the many fans and sponsors for their support, kindness and appreciation throughout the hard times and the good – their passion and dedication makes them second to none.
“The Challenge Cup wins and Derby Days will always be special memories and whilst we hoped for more consistent on-field performances in recent years, everyone can still be proud of the work we have done as a club through what we all recognise as being one of the most difficult and resource draining periods in the club’s history.
“We have worked hard to stabilise the business financially with record turnover achievable in this financial year and built one of the best youth programmes in the country which can become the backbone of a successful homegrown team for many years to come – something I will look back on with great pride as we watch our hard work come to fruition.
“I firmly believe the club is now well placed to flourish moving forward, and with fresh eyes and new investment I can only foresee a bright future.”
James continued: “I have given absolutely everything I have to the club, but I recognise the personal toll it has taken on my family and myself.
“After so many years, and some recent life changing events, it is time for me to invest in the parts of my life which have been neglected and enjoy the exciting new opportunities that lie ahead.
“I wish everyone at the club every success in the future, success it so richly deserves. I know, given time, patience and the right investment, it will not be long before that success will return again.”
Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson has paid tribute to his outgoing Chief Executive and outlined the next steps for the club – you can read here
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