EPL’s Sunderland Appoint New CEO

English Premier League soccer club Sunderland AFC have confirmed the appointment of legal director Margaret Byrne as the club’s new CEO following a restructuring of its executive board.

Byrne has been promoted from her position of legal director and club secretary, which she was appointed to in 2007.

Speaking to the club’s official website about the deal, chairman Niall Quinn said: “Margaret has been a true driving force at the club since her appointment here more than four years ago and the fact that the club has gone from strength to strength on and off the pitch in that period is no coincidence.

“She has enormous passion for our football club and as its CEO, she will continue with the fantastic work that has gone before and will play a key role as the club continues to grow.”

Byrne has been shortlisted for the UK solicitor of the year award and is a member of the Premier League’s Legal Advisory Group.

She was strongly involved with transfers at the Stadium of Light in her previous role and that involvement will now grow further in line with her promotion.

Sunderland have also appointed Angela Lowes as finance director as part of the board restructuring.