Rugby: John Barton (ex-TEAM Marketing) appointed chief commercial & marketing officer of EPCR

John Barton has been appointed chief commercial and marketing officer of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the organising body of the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, announced the body on 03/11/2025.

"In this new role, John will oversee commercial, broadcast and marketing strategy as EPCR accelerates into its next phase of revenue and brand growth. His leadership will be key as we expand the future of international club rugby, including the launch of the World Champions Cup (Club World Cup due to be launched in 2028)," said the EPCR.

John Barton has held the position of director of sponsorship and licensing sales within TEAM Marketing for UEFA's men's football club competitions since 2019. He will draw on over 20 years of experience at TEAM Marketing, "both in sponsorship and licensing and in media rights and event operations, gained both as a former media rights lawyer and as a project manager for finals and operations during UEFA club competition seasons," explained the body based in Lausanne (SUI).

John Barton succeeds François Vergnol, who worked for the EPCR…