BELLE Vue owners Tony Rice and Robin Southwell announce today that club CEO Adrian Smith has stepped down after 5 years’ service.
Although Adrian made the decision a few months ago, he has been assisting us with a seamless management transition before the start of the 2022 season.
As a result, we are delighted to announce that Mark Lemon – current Director of Speedway – has been promoted to CEO whilst retaining his Team Manager duties with the Aces.
Adrian joined us in January 2017 when we took over the club with a clear agenda to set up a business that over time was sustainable.
And despite the issue of Covid, Belle Vue Speedway 2017 Ltd has progressed positively and Adrian feels that with the club on the right footing both operationally and financially now is the right time to step away.
Adrian said: “Since joining Belle Vue Speedway in 2017 it has been a real privilege to be involved in one of the largest and best known speedway clubs in the world.
“We inherited a club with a number of challenges but with the support of the staff and volunteers we have built the club back to a position where it is the envy of many in the speedway community across the UK and wider world and one of which our supporters can be proud.
“Taking the decision to step down is not an easy one but having developed the club both commercially and financially now is the time to put our succession plans into practice.
“And with Mark Lemon stepping into the role, I am convinced the success we have achieved so far will be built upon.
“I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers for being part of the journey so far and wish Belle Vue Speedway the continued success it deserves.
“Thanks also go to our sponsors both old and new who have made a massive contribution to the club.
“Finally, I’d like to thank all the supporters for the trust they put in me to rebuild the club and hope that successes behind the scenes will transfer to the track very soon and the club lifts the league trophy.”
Mark Lemon commented: “It’s been a pleasure working with Adrian over the past five years and we’ve certainly made great strides in paving a secure future for Speedway in Manchester and the continuation of one of Britain’s most iconic Speedway clubs.
“Through Adrian’s leadership, he has certainly worked hard to ensure commercial viability of the club, attracting our many great sponsors as well as listening to our fans to provide a great race day experience at the National Speedway Stadium.
“I’m sure our fans, riders, officials, volunteers and valued partners will join me in sincerely thanking Adrian for his unwavering dedication to the club and we look forward to welcoming him back to Manchester to cheer on the Aces and Colts in the near future.
“I’ve always found it be a great honour being involved with Belle Vue Speedway, it is an even greater privilege to step into the CEO role and I’d like to thank our owners Robin Southwell and Tony Rice for the trust they’ve placed in me to continue to grow and develop the business and sport as well as guiding our teams to success in the 2022 season and beyond.”
Joint Owners Robin Southwell and Tony Rice thanked Adrian for his commitment and achievements.
“It’s been great to have Adrian at the helm these past five years leading us through what has been a difficult time for the Club and the Sport in general.
“The Club has made big strides despite the impact of Covid and it’s consequent restrictions. Adrian has worked tirelessly to rebuild and grow the relationship with our fans and put the Club on a firmer footing.
“We’ll miss him and he’ll always be welcome at Belle Vue. It’s great that we have a natural replacement with Mark stepping up and we’ll all be looking to build in the platform that Adrian and his team have created.”
