Leeds Rhinos long-serving director resigns

Leeds Rhinos are one of Super League’s historic and successful sides with plenty of that on field success owing to brilliant off field work, but now one of those men has resigned.

The club have seen director Jeffrey Harold Walton removed from his role of non executive director, bringing to an end a 16 and a half year spell with the Rhinos.

Per Companies House, Walton has seen his role ‘terminated’ but this is likely a resignation with the 81-year-old stepping back from the role that he took on in February 2007.

Little is known about Walton outside of the club’s financial papers, those simply showing his appointment date and resignation date whilst confirming that his occupation is in jewellery retail.

That jewellery company is in fact long time Rhinos sponsor Berry’s with the Rhinos confirming Walton’s involvement as sponsor on their site.

They stated: “Mr Jeffrey Walton and his son Simon, have expanded and developed the business whilst still continuing to focus on providing exceptional jewellery at exceptional prices, all of which are provided by some of the world’s leading manufacturers.”

Leeds’ directors are surely some of the best in the sport given the team’s incredible IMG grade that reflects the impressive off-field work.

From everyone at the Rhinos we would like to wish a Happy 80th Birthday to our Non-Executive Director Jeffrey Walton!🥳 pic.twitter.com/EINkJytXVZ

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 21, 2022

When the preliminary grades were announced in late October it showed that the Rhinos were the standout club with the highest grade of all teams.

The club have also made some huge developments this off-season including a new 15-year sponsorship deal for their Headingley Stadium, whilst also signing players such as Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers.

Landing the stadium sponsorship deal shows the pulling power the club have and ticks plenty of IMG boxes too.

At the time of the announcement, the Rhinos said: “Leeds Rhinos have revealed a record-breaking naming rights partnership with Leeds-based vehicle solutions business AMT Auto that will see the Rhinos home stadium rebranded as AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium from 1st December 2023.

“It is only the fourth time in the 133-year history of the stadium that the club have allowed naming rights. The 15-year partnership is the biggest commercial deal in the club’s history.

“AMT Auto are an independent family-owned business established in 1995 by Neil McGawley and offer a Rent -Lease-Buy-Sell- Insure model for all types of vehicles and customers. Headquartered in Leeds with additional outlets in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh, AMT employ over 150 people and are one of the fastest growing businesses in Yorkshire.”