David Gill to Step Down as Manchester United Chief Executive

David Gill, chief executive of Manchester United, is to leave his role on 30 June, the club have announced,

Gill joined the Premier League club in February 1997 as finance director before becoming chief executive in 2003.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward will take over as chief executive. Gill will remain a director of the club.

He was appointed as the FA’s vice chairman in October 2012 and has been nominated as the national governing body’s candidate in the UEFA executive committee elections to be held in May.

Gill said: “It has been the greatest privilege to serve Manchester United for 16 wonderful years – the last 10 of which as its chief executive.

“I have worked alongside the finest manager in the history of the game and been part of what I consider to be the best club in the best sport in the world. It has been a very hard decision because I love this club and, as the fans’ banner says, it is, ‘more than a religion’.

“However, I have always been conscious of the fact that, as a member of staff, I was always just a temporary custodian of this marvellous institution. I am also of the view that all businesses need to refresh themselves with new management and ideas and after 10 years in charge I believe it is appropriate for someone new to pick up the baton.

“I’m delighted Ed has accepted the role. I have worked with him for more than seven years and in that time he has built up knowledge of football matters, which will hold him in good stead for the future.

“I am looking forward to continuing my involvement on the club board. And I hope to be able to make a contribution to the game on a wider national and European level.”

Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, added: “David has been a magnificent chief executive. Of course, we have had a million arguments, but I have always enjoyed them because I know that David has two great qualities: he is straight and he always puts Manchester United first. No disagreement is ever personal with him. He always wants the best for United, whether it’s the players, the training ground or the staff.

“Him stepping down is a big loss to me but the fact that he is staying on the board encourages me that the reason for his departure is heartfelt, that he believes it is time for the club to move on. If I could have found a way of persuading him to stay I would love to have done that. But he has made his decision and I respect him for it.”

Former Manchester United Director Considers Impact

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, Steven Falk, founder of Star Sports Marketing, said: “David Gill has made a major contribution to the success of Manchester United as an organisation during his time at the club. In a business of constant change and challenges, he has demonstrated exactly the right tone and temperament to guide the club in the right direction. His successor Ed Woodward will do well to persuade the various stakeholders in the club that he can deliver the same level of success both on and off the pitch while maintaining the same degree of integrity.”

Falk, former Marketing Director of Manchester United, continued: “Given Ed’s experience as a corporate banker with responsibility for managing the financial structure of the club, I would anticipate the appointment of a director of football to handle matters conceding the players and their agents. Gill’s departure also raises questions concerning the future of Sir Alex Ferguson, as one of David’s key roles was to find a suitable replacement for when the manager retires. This move begs the question as to whether that decision has now been made.”

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