Sunderland AFC appoint new chief executive

Sunderland AFC have appointed a new chief executive with Martin Bain set to take up his new role later this summer.
Sunderland's new chief executive Martin BainSunderland's new chief executive Martin Bain
Sunderland's new chief executive Martin Bain

Bain, who is currently chief executive at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, will take up his new role at the Stadium of Light on July 1, 2016.

The 47-year-old replaces Margaret Byrne who resigned in the wake of the Adam Johnson scandal earlier this year.

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Club officials say Bain brings with him a wealth of experience in both the football and business worlds having overseen one of the most successful periods in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s history.

The club secured a domestic treble in 2015 and Champions League qualification, while off the field he has won praise for strong commercial growth and improving the club's finances.

Bain said: "It is a great honour and privilege to become CEO at a club with Sunderland’s rich history and heritage.

"I have been fortunate to be a part of a team that has brought great success to two clubs with passionate supporter bases and I am excited by the opportunity to do the same at Sunderland.

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"Sunderland fans are recognised as some of the most loyal and passionate in football.

"The backing they gave the team in the two recent vital home games played an integral part in the victories.

"Such tremendous support deserves a successful club and that is what we will aim to give them.

"I am looking forward to working closely with the chairman and everyone involved with the club, and will endeavour to do everything possible to help the club to realise its potential."

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Bain as a board director of the Israeli Premier League, was also integral in recently achieving an unprecedented central broadcast deal.

Prior to joining Maccabi, Bain was CEO at Rangers Football Club and a director of the Scottish Premier League.

During his tenure in Scotland, the club won three consecutive league titles, reached the final of the UEFA Cup and regularly appeared in the group stages of the Champions and Europa League.

Club chairman Ellis Short, said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to Sunderland.

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"With his commercial experience, commitment to working closely with local communities and impressive track record of building winning teams on and off the pitch, I know that we have someone that can take us forward.

"Martin will strive to transform our financial performances, which we acknowledge must improve significantly, into a stable and successful model, to give us a club that we and our fans can be proud of.

"In doing so, he will receive the full support of everyone at Sunderland AFC.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner had both been heavily linked with the role after the resignation of Byrne.