Skip to content

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre to leave this month

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre is to leave Anfield later this month
Image: Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre is to leave Anfield later this month

Liverpool's chief executive Ian Ayre is to leave the club at the end of the month after 10 years at Anfield.

Ayre had been due to leave at the end of the season but will now depart three months ahead of schedule. As part of the structured handover, Billy Hogan has been promoted to managing director and chief commercial officer, Andy Hughes becomes chief operating officer, while Michael Edwards is the new sporting director.

Get Sky Sports
Get Sky Sports

Upgrade now and watch Chelsea v Arsenal this weekend and get 8 Sky Sports channels!

During his decade on Merseyside, Ayre has led an overhaul of Liverpool's financial, commercial and operational structure, while helping to provide a smooth transition following the takeover by the Fenway Sports Group in 2010.

He has also played a key role in overseeing the redevelopment of the main stand, as well as the wider regeneration of the Anfield area.

Ayre will be taking up a position with German club TSV 1860 Munich on a date to be confirmed. Liverpool have said they will appoint a new CEO to take over during the summer.

Ayre (l) with manager Jurgen Klopp and Fenway Sports Group chairman Tom Werner (r)
Image: Ayre (L) with manager Jurgen Klopp and Fenway Sports Group chairman Tom Werner (R)

Speaking on behalf of Fenway Sports Group's principal owner John Henry, and chairman Tom Werner, FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement: "Although this transition has been nearly a year in the making, today is still a difficult day - we are officially saying goodbye to Ian.

"On behalf of John and Tom, I would like to place on record the outstanding contribution Ian has made to Liverpool Football Club over the past ten years.

"It goes without saying that his leadership of LFC has been instrumental to the club's progress under our ownership.

"It is a measure of his character and his commitment to LFC that we have been able to collectively plan and execute such a gradual, natural transition. On both a professional and personal level, he will be missed.

Newly redeveloped Main Stand at Anfield
Image: Ayre played a key role in overseeing the redevelopment of Anfield's Main Stand

"The last step remaining is to conclude the process of identifying and hiring a successor to Ian. We are very pleased with the search progress and fully expect to have our new CEO in position by our original deadline of the summer 2017."

Ayre added: "There is no greater professional satisfaction for me than to leave Liverpool Football Club in much improved health than when I joined in 2007.

"This has always been more than just a job for me because of the emotional connection I have with the place. So, the only yardstick that has ever mattered, for every decision I have taken here, is whether or not it is in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

"My journey here over the last decade has been a rich mix of challenges and opportunities, a journey only made possible by the outstanding people I have had the honour to work with along the way both inside and outside the club.

"As the club transitions to its next chapter, I made clear some time back that I felt that 2017 was the right time to step aside."

Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and watch the top of the table clash, Chelsea v Arsenal, for just £6.99. No contract

Around Sky