Copsey to leave Wasps in autumn

Copsey will leave London Wasps after two years at Adams Park

London Wasps have confirmed that chief executive Tony Copsey is to leave the club this autumn.

Copsey has been credited with the commercial and ownership restructuring of the club since arriving in 2007.

He told the club's website: "I have had a fantastic time with Wasps and for me it has been a wonderful opportunity taking the role of CEO.

"To have been a part of a club who lifted the Guinness Premiership trophy is something very special."

Copsey's commercial restructuring at Wasps included the signing of a £1m partnership with EMC, who are the club's shirt sponsor for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons.

We will look to review our management structure but have every confidence in the personnel in place at the club and on the board to continue to drive Wasps forward

Wasps owner Steve Hayes

The departing CEO has also overseen the transition of the Wasps ownership structure with Steve Hayes at the helm of a new look board, including Mark Rigby as executive chairman and Lawrence Dallaglio as a board director.

Copsey said: "I would like to thank Steve Hayes and the board and everyone at the club for their support over the past couple of years. I have met some wonderful and passionate people.

"I feel I have come to a natural crossroads and now that we have the ownership bedded down, our new director of rugby in place, and the squad and commercial structure raring to go this season, I felt it was a natural time to depart."

Wasps owner Steve Hayes added: "We wish Tony well in his next endeavour and thank him for his efforts at the club over the past two seasons.

"Following his departure we will look to review our management structure but have every confidence in the personnel in place at the club and on the board to continue to drive Wasps forward."