Everton have unveiled a series of changes to their operational structure under The Friedkin Group, including the appointment of Angus Kinnear as CEO from Leeds and the departure of Kevin Thelwell as director of football when his contract expires this summer.
The club’s new owners plan to move away from the director of football model, transitioning instead to a broader “sporting leadership team.”
Thelwell, who has served as director of football since 2022, played a key role in guiding Everton through a tumultuous period under Farhad Moshiri, which included two points deductions and significant financial challenges. He will leave the club at the end of the season.
“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in the most challenging of circumstances over the past three years and believe I’ll leave the club in a much stronger position than when I joined in 2022,” Thelwell said.
Senior appointments to the new sporting leadership team will be announced in due course. Everton have been without a permanent chief executive since Denise Barrett-Baxendale departed amid fan protests in June 2023.
Colin Chong has served as interim CEO since then and will remain with the club, focusing on the development of the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the regeneration of its surrounding area, and the future of Goodison Park.
The Friedkin Group’s search for a new CEO has concluded with the appointment of Kinnear, who has held the role at Leeds since 2017. The 47-year-old, who has also worked for Arsenal and West Ham, will begin his tenure at Everton on 1 June.
A club statement said: “Planning for the summer transfer window is already under way, led by the sporting department and David Moyes.”
Angus Kinnear has been appointed as Everton’s new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure set to commence on June 1. The specific length of Kinnear’s contract with Everton has not been publicly disclosed.
Prior to this appointment, Kinnear served as the CEO of Leeds United. His transition to Everton is part of the club’s strategic shift under new ownership by The Friedkin Group, moving towards a “sporting leadership team” model. This restructuring includes the planned departure of the current Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, at the end of the season.
It’s noteworthy that Kinnear’s move to Everton required negotiations, as he had 18 months remaining on his contract with Leeds United. This situation necessitated compensation to facilitate his early release and subsequent appointment at Everton.
Kinnear’s extensive experience in football administration is anticipated to play a pivotal role in Everton’s future endeavors, especially with the upcoming completion of the new stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton have also confirmed the departure of their long-serving chief commercial and communications officer, Richard Kenyon.