Ken Nottage

Memories and Tributes

A pioneering executive who harmonized international sporting prowess with astute commercial leadership to secure the long-term future of Gloucestershire’s most cherished institutions.

It is with great sadness that Gloucester Rugby announces the untimely passing of former Managing Director, Ken Nottage, aged 64.

Ken Nottage was brought to Kingsholm by former Chairman, Tom Walkinshaw, in 1999 and oversaw one of the most successful periods in the Club’s professional history.

During his tenure Nottage, a former England basketball international, was tasked with laying the foundations for a financially sustainable future for the Cherry & Whites, both on and off the pitch. Over his 13 seasons at Kingsholm, Nottage did just that. On the field, the team topped the league three times and lifted three trophies, and off the pitch Nottage developed Gloucester’s commercial profile, as well as delivering a brand-new main stand in 2008 alongside Walkinshaw.

Chief Executive Officer, Alex Brown, paid tribute to Ken’s impact on the Club’s history.

“As a Club, we are devastated to learn of the passing of our friend, Ken Nottage.

“Gloucester Rugby will remain indebted to Ken for his stewardship during an incredibly important period for the Club. His impact at Kingsholm played a huge part in the stability of the Club we have today.

“Since leaving us in 2013, Ken’s support has been unwavering, and we will miss him immensely.

“The thoughts of us all at Gloucester Rugby are with the Nottage family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Gloucester Rugby will confirm plans to remember Ken with supporters at Kingsholm at a date determined by the Nottage family.

Life Timeline

Born in Canada; he was later raised in London, where his athletic talent first began to flourish.

1959: Born
Relocated to the North East after being recruited by the Sunderland basketball franchise.

1973: Move to North East
Established himself as a premier talent in British basketball, earning caps as an England International. He played for 14 seasons, primarily in Sunderland and Newcastle.

1980: England International Career
Balanced his playing career with academia, serving as a Business Lecturer at Sunderland University, where he influenced a generation of future business leaders.

1992: Academic Career Begins
Appointed as the Chief Executive of Newcastle United Sporting Club under Sir John Hall, overseeing a diverse portfolio that included football, rugby, ice hockey, and basketball.

1995: Chief Executive Appointment
Alongside Paul Blake, he famously rescued the Newcastle Eagles franchise from the collapse of the Sporting Club, ensuring the survival of top-flight basketball in Tyneside.

1999: Newcastle Eagles Rescue
Recruited by Tom Walkinshaw to become the Managing Director of Gloucester Rugby. He was charged with the massive task of professionalizing the club’s business operations.

1999: Gloucester Managing Director
Oversaw a period of dominance where the "Cherry and Whites" topped the Premiership table three times (2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08).

2002: Premiership Dominance Begins
Celebrated the club’s Powergen Cup victory at Twickenham.

2003: Powergen Cup Victory
Led the commercial side during the club's European Challenge Cup triumph.

2006: European Challenge Cup Triumph
Successfully delivered the redevelopment of the South Stand (now the Malvern Tyres Stand), a £4-million project that transformed Kingsholm into a modern stadium.

2008: Stadium Redevelopment
Witnessed the team lift the LV= Cup, the final major trophy of his 13-season tenure.

2011: Final Trophy Achievement
Transitioned from rugby to regional development, becoming the CEO of the Three Counties Agricultural Society (Three Counties Showground).

2013: CEO Role at Showground
Directed the growth of major regional events like the RHS Malvern Spring Festival and the Royal Three Counties Show, significantly increasing the Showground's commercial viability.

2013: Event Growth Leadership
Retired from his role as CEO, having cemented the Showground’s position as a premier national events venue.

2021: Retirement from Leadership
Passed away at the age of 64 following a courageous battle with illness.

2023: Passing After Illness
The Ken Nottage Memorial Garden was unveiled at the Three Counties Showground, featuring a stone bench facing his beloved Malvern Hills.

2024: Memorial Garden Unveiled