Peter Tom, previously deputy chairman of the clubs’ umbrella body, said: "Tom has done an excellent job in leading the clubs through the last four years.
“We now have to build further on the success of the Guinness Premiership and European competitions to continue to offer top quality, fantastic value club rugby to our supporters and partners."
Tom Walkinshaw has stepped down after holding the position of chairman for the last four years, during which time the Guinness Premiership has continued its successful development as the most competitive league in world rugby.
During that time also, a new eight-year agreement has been signed with the RFU, a long-term accord has been put in place for European rugby, a new international regulation has been settled to govern the release of players to play international rugby and recently new TV deals have been signed.
Walkinshaw, whose club Gloucester are the Guinness Premiership visitors to Welford Road this Saturday, said: "It has been a very important period for the development of club rugby in England. We have set the platform for the next phase of growth in England and Europe, and I am pleased to be handing over to Peter at this time."
