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Newcastle Thunder announce major exit

Newcastle Thunder chairman Mick Hogan will step down from his position as of 2022, following a seven-and-a half year spell at the club.

An experienced sports professional who has also been Executive Director at Newcastle Falcons, as well as CEO at Wigan Warriors and Sale Sharks, Hogan was part of original Gateshead Thunder set up back in 1999.

Returning in the winter of 2013 and taking up the mantle of chair ahead of the 2014 season he has overseen a number of milestones in what has been an exciting chapter in the clubs history.

Part of the group that engineered the club’s move from Gateshead International Stadium to Kingston Park Stadium and the subsequent re-brand to Newcastle Thunder, Hogan was also prominent in setting the club’s current mission to win Super League by 2030.

During his tenure there has been a significant rise in attendances and the formation of new commercial agreements, including the addition of Tyne Met College and Stelrad Radiator Group to Thunder’s portfolio of partners.

The club has also been front and centre at the general growth of rugby league in the North East, with a growing number of players in the community game and the expansion of the delivery by the award-winning Thunder Community Foundation.

With a role as revenue director for the coming Rugby League World Cup and his consultancy commitments requiring more of his time, Hogan feels now is the time to bring to a close his time at the head of the club.

Reflecting on his time as Newcastle Thunder chairman, Hogan said: “It has been an immense seven years being with Thunder after my first stint in 1999. The club has made great strides on and off the field thanks to the work of so many individuals – players, staff, coaches and volunteers.

“What has been particularly pleasing is the growth of rugby league in the region with the club playing a central role in developing the sport.

“I’d like to thank the continued support of owner Semore Kurdi, the directors of the club, our partners and of course the fans. The time is right for me to now step aside. My consultancy work demands ever more and Thunder deserves more time than I can now offer.

“I look forward to the continued progress of the club and will join the supporters in the stands watching what I’m sure will be a big season.”

Hogan will also be leaving Newcastle Falcons where he has served as Managing Director, Newcastle 2019 Event Director and Executive Director for the club over the last eight years.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Roland Orzabal

    January 1, 2022 at 2:44 am

    Going after the $$$$$

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