Whitehaven businessman Lee Butterworth as been named as Whitehaven’s new CEO.
Butterworth, owner of Xtreme Fitness, has been involved with the club for just over 12 months in a number of different roles. His appointment is part of a new board structure, which also includes two Recreation Ground legends.
Craig Calvert scored the most tries in the chocolate, blue and gold having notched up 238 touchdowns from his debut in 2004 until his retirement in 2017.
Calvert has been heavily involved behind the scenes since the appointment of Anthony Murray in regards of recruitment and now takes the role of director of rugby.
Joining the existing associate directors of Grant Taylor and Tommy Johnston is another legendary former player David Seeds who also coached the team.
He was the previous holder of leading try scorer for the club until Calvert broke his record and still remains the club’s second highest try scorer of all time.
Craig Lowrey, who has been involved in a variety of volunteer roles, has now taken on the new title of Operations Director.
Les Ashe and Amanda Morgan will remain in advisory roles with experience across many different aspects of Rugby League, both on and off the field, which will support the new-look board of directors.
Butterworth has covered a wide-ranging number of topics during a video interview for the club.
He discussed the club’s progress in 2025, on and off the field, the sustainability and approach of the club in future years as well as confirming the new board line-up and the departures.
He said the club wished to thank the departing directors in Gary Eilbeck, Les Messenger and David Pennington.
He said: “Each individuals efforts during their time involved as a director is highly valued and respected and we hope to continue to see them on match days at The Ortus Rec.”
Full director structure
- Lee Butterworth – CEO
- Ian Lowrey – Operations director
- Craig Calvert – Director of rugby
- Tommy Johnston – Associate director & ground maintenance
- Grant Taylor – Associate director
- David Seeds – Associate director
- Les Ashe – Advisor
- Amanda Morgan – Advisor
