Chief executive of Everton FC Denise Barrett-Baxendale leaves the club along with Graeme Sharp and Grant Ingles with Bill Kenwright’s future also in doubt. Tony McDonough reports
Denise Barrett-Baxendale has stood down as chief executive of Everton Football Club with immediate effect.
Also leaving is non-executive director Graeme Sharp, a strike with the club in the 1980s, and chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles. Everton says a statement about the future of chairman Bill Kenwright will be released in the next 48 hours.
There is speculation the changes may finally herald a change in ownership at the club, which only avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
The board have come under significant criticism from fans and have not attended home games at Goodison Park for several months. Ms Barrett-Baxendale had been CEO since 2018 when she replaced Robert Elstone.
Current majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and his representatives have reportedly been in talks with New York-based investor MSP to either buy the club or take a substantial stake.
A statement from the departing directors reads: “We have all been fully committed during our time here and are disappointed to have made the decision to leave Everton.
“We have worked tirelessly alongside our chairman in what has been a challenging period to deliver some of the most significant projects in Everton’s history – projects that will safeguard and sustain the commercial future of the club for generations to come.
READ MORE: Everton stadium builder completes main structure
READ MORE: Everton stadium could have ‘floating car park’
“We are proud of the commercial growth projects progressed during our time on the Board, including the construction of the Club’s new waterfront stadium. This construction project – the largest currently on site in the UK – is progressing at pace.
“The club’s partnership portfolio has also been increased and diversified, reflected in record commercial partnerships and the expansion of our work internationally.
“In addition to these commercial achievements, we take great pride in the continued growth of the club’s social programmes and the plans that the Board has put in place for the community-led regeneration scheme at Goodison Park.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as directors. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during our time here. We wish the club we have loved to serve every success in the future.”
Bill Kenwright added: “This has been a great board who have all worked tirelessly for the club, no matter what the circumstances.
“My relationship with Denise has been known as one of the closest in football. I thank her for her many achievements, particularly her magnificent work in respect of our new stadium.”