Ashton Gate Stadium boss steps down after more than decade

Mark Kelly oversaw the transformation of the stadium into a UK-leading sports venue

The chair of Ashton Gate Stadium has stepped down after more than a decade with the Bristol Sport group. Mark Kelly, who was also chief executive of Bristol’s huge Sporting Quarter development, is a former hotel manager who became part of Bristol Sport’s leadership team in 2015.

He was appointed shortly after it was decided that Ashton Gate – the home of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears Rugby Club – would not be able to build out into Ashton Vale.

Initially hired as managing director of Ashton Gate, since 2015 Kelly has held multiple roles across a diverse portfolio within the Lansdown Family’s interests, including: chief executive of Bristol Sport; chief executive of Ashton Gate; managing director of Mashatu Investments (Durban, South Africa); director of global property investments for Pula; and chair of Ashton Gate and chief executive of the Sporting Quarter.

During his time at the helm, Kelly oversaw the £50m redevelopment of the stadium alongside Martin Griffiths, and helped transform it into an internationally recognised and multi-use venue to rival many of the UK’s best.

He was also responsible for launching Kaelo Destinations – the Lansdown family’s exclusive African safari business last year – as well as acquiring and delivering phase one of La Grande Mare golf and country club in the Channel Islands.

‘A privilege and an honour’

“It is only when you have the opportunity to look back and reflect, you realise how much a part of your life it has become,” said Kelly.

“I will miss the amazing team of people that work here, some of whom have been with me since day one. However, now is the right time for me to embark on a new challenge. I would like to sincerely thank the Lansdown Family for their support throughout the years and for the opportunities that being part of this group has afforded me.

“From leading the two-year redevelopment and the opening of the Lansdown Stand in 2016, hosting sell-out crowds for not just City and Bears, but also Red Roses, Lionesses, concerts, the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the transformation of the stadium into the UK’s first super-vaccine centre in the depths of Covid. None of that would have been possible without the incredible team of dedicated people that work alongside me. Every day that I walk into Ashton Gate I am aware of how vital a role it plays within its community.”

He added: “It has been both a privilege and an honour to lead the stadium.”

Following Kelly’s resignation in June to explore other opportunities, he will leave his post early next month. Charlie Boss will combine the leadership of Ashton Gate Stadium with his role as Bristol City chief executive.

“It will be a wrench to say goodbye and, as we get closer to my final day, I have no doubt there will be a fair bit of emotion,” Kelly added.

“I am proud of what has been achieved and we have built strong foundations for continued growth. With Charlie Boss leading the way and the committed team that we have at Ashton Gate, our clubs and charities, all will continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead.”

Bristol Sport founder Steve Lansdown CBE said he was “sorry” to see Kelly leave the business but understood “his desire for a new challenge”.

“We thank him for all his hard work over the years and wish him all the best for the future,” he said.

Jon Lansdown, Ashton Gate director and chairman of Bristol Sport, added: “Mark has been instrumental in the development of our sporting group. I would personally like to thank him, for the dedication and service he has shown throughout the years. He has laid excellent foundations for us to continue the stadium’s trajectory of growth as one of the leading multi-sport and entertainment venues in the country.”