Debbie Jevans has resigned as chief executive of the organising committee of this year 's Rugby World Cup , citing 'personal reasons ' . Jevans , who was previously director of Olympic sport for the London 2012 Games , has been in charge of England Rugby 2015 since October 2012 . A statement from England 2015 said : 'Debbie Jevans CBE has decided to resign as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 ( ER2015 ) due to personal reasons . Debbie Jevans poses with the Wiliam Webb Ellis trophy during a World Cup media event in November 2012 . 'Debbie has been at the helm of the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee since October 2012 , and leaves with a highly experienced event delivery executive team in place , with plans for the tournament in excellent shape . All aspects of tournament preparations are on or ahead of schedule , with over 1.9 million tickets sold to date . ' Jevans said : 'This is the right decision for me to make at this time . I am immensely proud of the team and all that we have achieved in the time that I have been chief executive . 'Everything is in place to ensure that this is the best Rugby World Cup ever , and I am confident my team will deliver an exceptional tournament . 'The organisation is strong , there is a great team in place and I am really looking forward to watching the Rugby World Cup as a fan later this year . ' Stephen Brown , the Rugby Football Union 's financial director , will take over Jevans ' responsibilities and has been appointed managing director . Jevans was previously director of Olympic sport for the London 2012 Games . England Rugby 2015 chairman Andy Cosslett said : 'On behalf of the ER2015 Board I would like to extend our enormous appreciation for all that Debbie has brought to the role . 'Her legacy will be seen during and after the tournament is delivered , with a sporting event that I fully believe will be both memorable and inspiring , creating a step change in interest and participation for the game in this country . ' World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset added : 'On behalf of World Rugby I would like to thank Debbie for her vision , dedication and leadership in implementing everything we need for an exceptional Rugby World Cup and wish her all the best for the future . We are confident that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be the biggest and best to date . '
Jevans had been at the helm of Olympic since October 2012 . 'This is the right decision for me to make at this time , ' Jevans said in a statement on Friday evening . She was previously director of Olympic sport for the London 2012 Games . England face Fiji in the tournament curtain-raiser on September 18 .