England 2015 Rugby World Cup chief is Andrew Cosslett
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
The Rugby Football Union has appointed Andrew Cosslett as chairman of England Rugby 2015, the body responsible for organising the sport's next World Cup.
He has held the post on an interim basis since Martyn Thomas stood down in December following internal management problems at the RFU.
Cosslett will take up his full-time role at the wholly-owned subsidiary of the RFU in April.
He said: "I'm delighted to play my part in delivering the World Cup."
Manchester-born Cosslett has spent the last six years as chief executive of InterContinental Hotels and before that held senior management roles with Cadbury Schweppes.
"The international business and marketing skills that he brings to the board will continue to be invaluable in his new role as chairman," said ER 2015 chief executive Paul Vaughan
"He has great empathy with the game and I think we will make a great team."
The 2015 tournament will run from 4 September to 17 October, with the final to be played at Twickenham.
Other matches will be staged at grounds around the country including Old Trafford, Anfield, and in Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup is estimated by accountancy firm Deloitte to be worth £2.1bn to Britain's economy.
