Hull KR attract leading business figure from football to bolster their team

05 January 2023 , 07:00

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Hull KR's latest new director David Kilburn (Image: Hull KR)

Hull KR have continued their impressive off-field restructure with the appointment of MKM Building Supplies co-founder David Kilburn to their growing board of directors.

Having already recently added multi-millionaire James McNicol and new chair Paul Sewell, the new-look Robins now have vast experience and financial pedigree alongside chief executive Paul Lakin and club owner Neil Hudgell. Attracting Kilburn is certainly a further sign they are doing their utmost to get in shape ahead of IMG’s “reimagination” of Super League over the next few years. MKM, who sponsor Hull City and Hull FC’s home stadium, has grown into the UK’s largest independently owned builder’s merchant’s chain.

Kilburn said: “I see joining the board of Hull KR as a real privilege. As someone who’s not been a fan of rugby league previously, this is an opportunity for me to understand the game and help see if I can lift the Robins into being the team at the top again. It is an opportunity to help create something really special on the east side of the city. As MKM, we have been supporting Hull City Football Club for over 20 years, and it’s time we had a presence closer to our base in the east to complement it.

“Big changes are coming to how the league is run, and I’m excited by the plans the club has in embracing them. When Paul Sewell asked me if I was interested in joining the board, I was flattered but I reminded him that I’m a football man. However, he soon convinced me that I could contribute, and that he and the rest of the board had plans to take the club on a journey of success.

“I’m really looking forward to getting involved and understanding much more about the club, and the opportunity to help with its future.”

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Sewell added: “David Kilburn is one of the outstanding entrepreneurs and business people of his generation. He has been an associate and friend for over 40 years, so I know he will bring experience, wisdom and balance to our new board. We feel this a great start to the recruitment of our board, and we will add more to create a team working together as one.”

Sewell said the club is in discussion with more potential partners to give them the “balance” they need with further announcements on the horizon.

David Craven