Everton are charting a new course under The Friedkin Group following the departure of Kevin Thelwell, who will step down as director of football this summer.
Thelwell’s three-year tenure at Everton will come to an end after he played a crucial role in navigating the club through a financial crisis caused by PSR constraints during Farhad Moshiri’s final years as owner.
The Friedkin Group, however, has no intention of appointing a direct replacement for Thelwell. Instead, they are shifting from a model centered around a single director of football to a broader sporting leadership structure.
This change follows the recent announcement of Angus Kinnear’s appointment as the new CEO, effective from 1 June.
Richard Kenyon to leave Everton:
It’s clear that Everton are undergoing significant behind-the-scenes restructuring under The Friedkin Group, as these are not the only backroom changes confirmed by the club.
In the statement announcing Kinnear’s arrival, Everton also revealed that Richard Kenyon will be departing alongside Thelwell.
Kenyon, who serves as Everton’s chief commercial and communications officer, has held various senior leadership roles during his 11-year tenure at the club.
As with Thelwell’s departure, Everton do not plan to appoint a direct replacement for Kenyon. Instead, his responsibilities will be distributed among existing members of his department.
However, the Premier League club is preparing to make new senior appointments in other areas, with further announcements expected in the near future.
Kinnear is considered commercially savvy
One reason the Friedkin Group may not be seeking a like-for-like replacement for Kenyon is Kinnear’s reputation as a commercially astute leader.
As highlighted by Paul Joyce in The Times (7 March), the incoming CEO revamped Leeds United’s retail operations during his time at Elland Road, further enhancing his credentials.
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that Thelwell and Kenyon are not the only senior figures set to leave Everton.