Hibernian are looking for a new chief executive after it was announced that Ben Kensell has departed by mutual consent following three-and-a-half years in the role.
The Englishman joined in July 2021 following his departure from Norwich, but his reign incorporated two bottom-six finishes and four managerial sackings – Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery.
Kensell was the subject of some mild protests from supporters amid a turbulent opening to the current campaign before rookie boss David Gray sparked an upturn in form from November onwards.
Hibs praised the departing Kensell for “helping the club evolve significantly” and for his part in securing a link-up with billionaire Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Group.
“During his tenure, Hibernian FC increased its commercial revenue and overall turnover,” read a statement announcing his exit on Thursday.
“Kensell was instrumental in the delivery of the Easter Road Stadium infrastructure investment project which now delivers a first-class matchday experience.
“He also played an integral role introducing Black Knight Football to Hibernian FC – a first of its kind of partnership in Scottish football.”
Kensell was appointed chief executive by former owner Ron Gordon, who died in February 2023.
Gordon’s family, who now own the club, said: “We’d like to thank Ben for all his hard work and leadership over the last three-and-a-half years, and we will be forever grateful for the support he provided our family after Ron’s passing.
“As a club, we have made positive strides forward under Ben’s guidance, and he will be leaving the club in a better place.
“We’re always looking at the future of the club, and after discussions with Ben, we mutually decided that it was the right time to part ways. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Hibs added that, during the recruitment process for a new chief executive, the club “will continue to be led by its board of directors, with the senior management team looking after the day-to-day operations”.
