Bristol Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Ritchie Bates as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Fans of the Imps will remember Bates as being the Commercial Manager at the club. Lincolnshire-born Bates was appointed Commercial Manager at Sincil Bank in November 2015 and spent four years at the club during one of the most successful periods in its modern history.
During his time with City, City climbed from the National League to League One and enjoyed a memorable FA Cup run that culminated in a quarter-final appearance. He departed in December 2019 to become Head of Commercial at Port Vale, joining as one of the early appointments under new owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan.
Bates will take responsibility for The Gas’s day-to-day operations and the delivery of its long term strategic objectives, working closely with the chairman and board to support growth on and off the pitch while strengthening links with supporters, commercial partners and the wider community.
Bristol Rovers is delighted to announce the appointment of Ritchie Bates as the Club’s Chief Executive Officer ⛽️
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) January 13, 2026
The appointment represents a significant step forward for the former Imps man, who joined Rovers as Director of Revenue in August 2024. Prior to his move to the Memorial Stadium, Bates built up more than a decade of experience across the EFL, with spells at Port Vale and Macclesfield Town alongside his time with City.
Speaking following his promotion, Bates described the role as a proud moment for both himself and his family, thanking the chairman and board for placing their trust in him.
“I am deeply honoured and privileged to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Rovers Football Club. This is a very proud moment for me and my family. I want to express my sincere thanks to the Chairman and the Board of Directors for their trust and support.
“I also want to thank our incredible fans for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Your personal support since I joined the Club has meant so much to me, and I am truly grateful.”
Bates added that there is significant work ahead and stressed his determination to work closely with staff across the club to help drive Bristol Rovers forward during his tenure in League Two.
Interesting (?) fact – I interviewed for the commercial role at the same time as Ritchie. I was offered a second interview, which was a presentation to the board, but I declined due to the severe drop in money. I think I’d have been terrible at it, but I remember being told how the club were looking to swap tickets for things they needed, with local businesses, rather than paying.
A month after Ritchie joined, Clive Nates came in, and everything changed.