Stadium for Bath Scores its First Win with Appointment of Premier Football Tech Expert, Mike Bohndiek as Chief Technology Officer

Stadium for Bath - the project that brings together Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation and Arena 1865 in the joint ambition of delivering a new community focused stadium at the Rec - today announced that it has appointed Mike Bohndiek to the freshly created role of Chief Technology Officer.

Bohndiek joins as a consultant from his recently formed organisation, Pragmatic Technological Insight (PTI), following three years with West Ham United Football Club transforming their customer experience through the use of technology.

With 13 years in the sports tech sector, Bohndiek has a wealth of experience. In that time, he has deployed large-scale technology into 14 UK sporting venues, and overseen two major stadium transformations, most recently the move from West Ham’s ground at Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Bohndiek’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the stadium development team as they look to appoint a lead architect and design team to commence the stadium design process early next year.  
“It is our ambition to create something exceptional in the heart of Bath, and technology is a fundamental part of that. We live in a connected world and we need smart solutions to ensure that Stadium for Bath maximizes the opportunities not just in terms of creating an amazing place to watch and enjoy rugby, but also in terms of wider social and community benefits” said Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby.

“We want to ensure that every stage of the supporter, customer and community experience benefits from the best possible technological solutions. This includes the basics of supporters getting in touch to find friends and their ability to share and celebrate moments and memories at games, but also the times inbetween and travelling to/from games for example providing up to date travel information which can mitigate congestion in Bath and the impact on residents on matchdays. Technology provides the opportunity for interaction and benefits for supporters, customers, and the wider community not just on matchdays and we want to ensure we realise those benefits for everyone.”

He added, “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Mike to the team. He will play a vital role in helping to shape our technology infrastructure and strategy as we accelerate our efforts towards delivering a new Stadium for Bath.

“His deep understanding of sports technology and of the impact digitisation is having on our industry, coupled with his focus on customer and supporter experiences, will prove invaluable as we seek to harness the power of technology to make the new stadium exceptional for everyone.”

Bohndiek takes up his new role at the start of January.