Bill Kenwright is to remain chairman of Everton FC as the club continues to progress through a period of transition.
Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri will join the board as a non-executive director as part of a raft of changes that follow the departure of three directors last week.
Colin Chong, who is currently overseeing the development of the club’s new waterfront stadium, will also join the board alongside John Spellman, a chartered accountant and Everton supporter. Current director of finance James Maryniak has also been promoted to a more senior role.
On Kenwright remaining chairman, Moshiri said: “I wanted Bill to remain as our chairman during this important period of transition for the club and I am delighted that he has accepted my request to do so. Bill’s knowledge and vast experience will be crucial for us as we look to reset, deliver on external investment and position Everton for a successful future.”
LIVE: Full reaction as Everton announce Kenwright future and board changes
Join our EFC WhatsApp community for latest news as soon as it happens
The changes follow the departures from the board of chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, finance officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp. Those exits sparked a whirl of speculation as they set in motion of summer of vast change at Everton as investment talks continue with US group MSP Sports Capital in a deal designed to support the completion of the new stadium.
On Friday morning Everton announced the latest step in what it has described as a period of transition at the top of the club.
Chong, currently the chief stadium development officer, has been appointed as interim chief executive and as a director. Maryniak will take charge of all finance matters as interim chief finance officer, though will not sit on the board. Moshiri and Spellman, described by the club as a “successful businessman”, will join the board as non-executive directors.
Moshiri said: “In John, we have an experienced finance professional who has held chief executive and senior finance roles for international firms and I welcome him to the club. In Colin and James, we have two experienced senior club professionals who have agreed to take on enhanced roles on an interim basis, and who we know can and will deliver immediately.”
