Everton Football Club has announced a pivotal leadership overhaul, setting the stage for significant changes as it prepares for the future. The club confirmed on March 8, 2025, the appointment of Angus Kinnear as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective June 1, 2025. Kinnear, who has led Leeds United since 2017, is stepping away from Championship leaders to take the helm at Everton, marking the beginning of what many hope to be a rejuvenated era for the club.
Colin Chong, currently serving as Everton’s interim CEO, will transition to oversee the construction of the new stadium and associated regeneration efforts, alongside managing the future of the historic Goodison Park. While Chong will remain involved, he will not retain the leadership position as the club proceeds with its revitalization under new management.
For some time now, the club has been signaling its intent to change its operational structure, moving away from the traditional single Director of Football model favored under the tenure of Kevin Thelwell, who is set to depart once his contract ends at the season's close. While Thelwell managed various football aspects since joining Everton in 2022, he will be succeeded by Kinnear. The emphasis now shifts toward establishing a broader sports leadership team, one they hope will bring fresh perspectives and collaborative decision-making.
The Friedkin Group (TFG), Everton’s new owners, are embracing this organizational evolution. By advocating for a flatter structural approach, power will be dispersed among several key decision-makers, including manager David Moyes and Kinnear himself. TFG’s goal is to implement foundational changes for sustainable club growth as they integrate their vision with Everton's rich heritage and ambitious future plans.
This shift signifies not only strategic maneuvering but also reflects the changing dynamics of football management. The club once habitually operated within more rigid hierarchies now seeks to adapt its practices to modernized management structures where managers evidenced by Unai Emery at Aston Villa have significant sway over strategic decisions.
“Angus is one of England’s leading football executives and brings a wealth of relevant experience,” said Marc Watts, Everton’s executive chairman. These words encapsulate the eagerness surrounding Kinnear’s forthcoming role, which requires multi-faceted experience, particularly as the club readies itself to transition from the iconic Goodison Park to the newly planned Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season.
Kinnear’s track record includes adeptness at fostering commercial growth and engaging with supporters—skills pertinent to ensuring the club’s future success not only on the pitch but also off it. His role as CEO will combine stewardship of both sporting and commercial elements of the club, making him the connecting force between its various operational areas as per TFG's unified vision.
Other notable departures include Richard Kenyon, the long-term Chief Commercial and Communications Officer, who will conclude his tenure after over 11 years at the club. Kenyon's responsibilities, previously extensive, will now be assumed by existing members of the communications and commercial teams, supplementing the changes alongside new appointments intended to address gaps left by these exits.
Recently, the club has begun preparations for its summer transfer window, initially led by the present sport management department and assisted by David Moyes. With only 12 senior players under contract beyond this season, urgent decisions loom—especially about the 15 other squad members whose contracts are nearing expiry. This impending transition signifies the increased urgency for Kinnear to solidify his plans and strategy upon commencing his role.
Efforts to transition the club thoughtfully were amplified by the involvement of executive recruitment specialists Nolan Partners, who were responsible for sourcing Kinnear. The focus on finding candidates with Premier League experience has driven the selection process, ensuring the new leadership echoes the stringent criteria set by TFG.
The groundwork laid by Kinnear and Moyes is poised to shape Everton's future, aligning with broader ownership ambitions. Transitioning power from player management to fostering more collaborative roles will be accompanied by upcoming structural changes involving external hires to fulfill various strategic roles.
Though the task before the new leadership is immense—the rigors of player recruitment, strategic planning, and new stadium preparation—there seems to be cautious optimism among fans and stakeholders. With the Friedkin Group steering this turnaround, Everton's potential for rebirth on the footballing stage has ignited interest both locally and nationally, making its forthcoming summer pivotal.
Time is of the essence as the club readies itself for significant changes amid promising new leadership on the horizon. The strategic decisions made now will not only define the immediate future but also lay a solid foundation for decades to come as Everton embarks on this transformative chapter seeking to build upon its historic legacy with renewed vigor and purpose.