Kirton, who held a variety of roles during more than 20 years at the Football Association and went on to head the ISL team responsible for the delivery of FIFA and UEFA sponsorship properties, will work alongside the company’s founder, Nigel Rushman, who becomes executive chairman.

 

Since 1982 Rushmans has provided planning, media management, accreditation, security, event management and volunteer services for hundreds of events in more than 30 countries. They include IRB Rugby World Cup, UEFA Euro ’96, ICC Cricket World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Kirton’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rushmans at a time when the events sector is becoming more sophisticated and demanding, the company said.

 

He will play a key role in further broadening the company’s service offering and developing its client base.

 

Kirton said: “Although the company is probably best known for its expertise in delivering world-class media and accreditation services at major events, the reality is that the portfolio has been far broader than that for many years.

 

"My role will be to consolidate and expand our services and ensure that Rushmans becomes the first choice for major events rights owners and organising committees."

 

Rushman said: “I’m delighted to welcome Glen to the company.

 

"It is a very significant appointment which signals our intention to build the company, equipping it with the management resource and skills it will need to thrive and add value to every project we are involved in.

 

“Success in the events business is founded on solid experience and Glen will add the knowledge and understanding gained during many years at sport’s top tables to the reservoir of experience which already exists within Rushmans."

 

Kirton joined the FA in 1971 and acted at various times as competition manager, press officer, commercial director, TV negotiator, England team administrator and finally as tournament director of Euro ’96.

 

Since leaving the FA, he has been involved in the commercial side of sport with ISL, Craigie Taylor, Fast Track and Navigator.

 

His relationship with Rushmans dates back to Euro ’96, when he was the client, Rushmans delivering the media and accreditation service.

 

He renewed acquaintances with the company in 2006, when he was Rushmans project director for the Asian Games Doha, and again in 2007 when he acted as media manager at the St Lucia venue for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

 

At ISL, Kirton headed a team that devised and delivered the marketing programme for the FIFA World Cup and also handled the sponsorship sales for the UEFA European Championship.

 

He is a languages graduate and is competent in French, Spanish and German.