The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is seeking to appoint a new chief operating officer. It comes as the association has appointed its first head of public affairs in Helen Antoniazzi, who is joining from gender equality charity Chwarae Teg, where she is director of policy and communications.
Ms Antoniazzi will take up here role in January and be responsible for managing relationship with government - both Welsh and UK - and local authorities to enhance the FAW’s reputation amongst key political stakeholders and to help drive funding and investment in Welsh football.
The FAW has also retained Newport headquartered firm Acorn to support its recruitment activities.
Working alongside the FAW’s chief executive, Noel Mooney the successful chief operating officer candidate will take overall responsibility for the operations of all football in Wales including the associations domestic leagues, all of its international squads, and across all compliance areas including the new football services centre, its national training centres and other key projects.
Mr Mooney said “Welsh football has made such great progress in recent years and we need now to keep that momentum going. It’s been another remarkable year during which the national squad has taken another significant step onto the world footballing stage, and we’ve got a great team here at the FAW dedicated to keeping that ball rolling.
“So, we’re looking now to find someone who can help us channel all that energy and passion into the programmes and services we deliver on behalf of the fans and clubs we represent across Wales. As we look towards another exciting year for Welsh football, the first thing on our agenda for 2023 will be to welcome a new chief operating officer to the FAW with the skills and passion to lead us towards more greatness in the future.”
Principal consultant for Acorn’s executive search team, Luke Robért, said of its work with the FAW: ‘‘We’re absolutely delighted to be working with the Football Association of Wales at what is a pivotal moment in so many ways. Acorn has years of experience in supporting organisations across the board to find the skills they require to take them to that next level, and we’re confident that together we will find the right person to support the FAW moving forward too.”
“We are looking for passionate candidates who believe in the FAW and every potential there is for the future, and given all of its successes in recent years.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right person to make a real difference at what is a crucial time for Welsh football, and we’re keen to hear from anyone who believes they’ve got what it takes to do just that as the new chief operating officer for the FAW in Wales.”
The latest recruitment moves comes as the association is also on track to exceed its target of growing revenues to £26m by 2026 in its current financial year as it looks to drive greater commercial revenues.
For its financial year to the end of June, 2022, revenues came in at £23.3m, down on just over £28m on the previous year - which were buoyed by Wales’ participation in the delayed 2021 Euros. Its operating profit came in at £237,897 A pre-tax profit loss of £257,331 would have been in the black but for a £295,500 loss of office payment agreed by the board for its former chief executive Jonathan Ford. It was also adversely impacted by the performance of its investment fund, managed by HSBC, which for the year sustained losses of £736,050. However, with market fluctuations since year end the value of the fund has recovered.
On the outlook Irishman Mr Mooney, said: "The aim was to get revenues to £26m by 2026, but we will get to that next year without competition (World Cup) money. We are building lots of new products, like summer soccer schools and all sort of new deals with commercial partners. So, we are well ahead of target.”
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