A FORMER chief executive of Bradford Bulls is taking over at the Galpharm.

Gareth Davies has been named as the man to succeed Ralph Rimmer, who left yesterday to take up the position as chief operating officer of the Rugby Football League.

Mr Davies described his new role as MD of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL) as “a privilege”. He will start the top job on November 1.

Mr Davies said: “Over a number of years I have watched and admired the way that KSDL has grown the facility and the business in and around the Galpharm stadium.

“While chief executive atŠBradford Bulls, I had the opportunity to get to knowŠRalph and he in particular deserves credit for the way he has worked with his team.

“It’s a privilege to follow on from him and the future could not be more exciting than it is with the amazing HD One development on the horizon.”

Mr Davies is a former head of sports marketing for Reebok. It was a role which saw him work across all sports, but largely football and rugby union.

He went on to become chief executive officer for Bradford Bulls before moving on to a position as managing director of Llanelli Scarlets where among many other things, he oversaw the building and subsequent relocation from Stradey Parc into the Parc y Scarlets stadium.

KSDL chairman Sir John Harman said: “We are very pleased to have Gareth Davies on board from November 1.

“He joins KSDL at an exciting time as we prepare for the next phase of development which will put the stadium at the centre of a leisure hub of national significance.

“Ralph Rimmer and his team have done a tremendous job in creating this opportunity and Gareth brings valuable commercial and sports experience to take it on to fruition.”

The Examiner revealed yesterday that construction will start in 2012 on the £100m HD One development plan to turn 51 acres of largely unused land surrounding the stadium into a business and leisure complex with 147 apartments, a 144-bed hotel, an air chimney, a ski slope, a casino, 21 bars and restaurants, a surf simulator, 10 pin bowling alley, two nightclubs, music venue, offices and a bingo hall will create 900 jobs.

And it is something the new boss will oversee.

The old one departed with some words of praise for him.

Ralph Rimmer said as he left the top job: “Congratulations should be given to the Board as they continue to demonstrate their drive and passion for this business by selecting such an outstanding candidate.

“He is an individual who brings a huge amount to the table and in whom I have the utmost confidence.

“He will be surrounded by a great team of staff and many other fantastic people, and I have no doubt that he will be very successful.”