NEWPORT Gwent Dragons chief executive Mike Jenkins is leaving Rodney Parade to pursue other interests after less than two years at the helm.

The commercial lawyer, who joined the region in August 2010 from Newport firm Harding Evans, is expected to exit by the end of the season.

He led the Dragons’ commercial operations during the first phase of Rodney Parade’s revamping, with its new 2,700-seat grandstand and hospitality boxes.

One candidate touted as a successor is previous incumbent Gethin Jenkins who left to become Cardiff City Football Club’s chief executive. He left the Bluebirds in October.

A statement released by the Dragons said: “Mike Jenkins joined the region to oversee the building and opening of the new Bisley Stand following his active role as legal counsel for the region and Rodney Parade Ltd, but having supported both organisations through this transitional period, he has decided that the time is right to step down.”

Jenkins said: “My remit when I joined the Dragons as chief executive was short term and specific – to drive through the re-development of Rodney Parade.

“I had previously been involved in the project as legal advisor to the Dragons and when offered the opportunity to see the project through to a successful conclusion, was excited by the prospect of contributing further, albeit with a more commercial focus as chief executive.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved here at Rodney Parade. Delivering such a significant project on time and on budget has been a credit to all involved.”

The first phase of the regeneration was completed in September with the new stand opening its doors for the league win over Aironi.

Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell praised Jenkins: “His contribution has been invaluable in ensuring that both the Dragons and Newport have the corporate facilities to underpin rugby in the region and we thank him for his hard work and dedication to this project.”