Angus Kinnear takes over as CEO at Everton FC in another notable development in the new era at the club which started with the takeover by The Friedkin Group in December 2024. Tony McDonough reports

Former Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has taken up his position as the new CEO of Everton FC.

Angus, who brings more than 20 years of top level football experience to the role, takes over from interim CEO Colin Chong. He has been at Leeds since 2017 and, prior to that, held senior positions at Arsenal and West Ham United.

His appointment is the latest in a series of senior changes at Everton since US-based Friedkin acquired a 98.8% stake in the club from Farhad Moshiri via Roundhouse its London-based investment vehicle. It also converted the club’s debt into equity.

In April it was announced that US basketball legend Jason Kidd was joining the Everton FC ownership group. US financial specialist and billionaire, Christopher Sarofim, has also joined Roundhouse as a “board observer”.

Angus said on Monday: “It is a tremendous honour to be joining Everton. This is a club with a huge and passionate fanbase, steeped in a proud history and with enormous potential thanks to the vision of our ownership and the move this summer to an awe-inspiring new stadium.

“I am excited to work with my colleagues at the club, our partners, and our fans as we strive together to deliver a successful and sustainable future for Everton, both on and off the pitch.”

In August Everton’s first team will kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season at its new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool Waters. Successful test events at the ground have already taken place.

Everton says Colin Chong will take up a new role, continuing to oversee the development of the stadium in addition to the regeneration of the surrounding area, and the future of Goodison Park. Everton will play their last game at the ground next weekend.

Marc Watts, executive chair of Everton, added: “We are delighted to welcome Angus to the Club. His track record of leadership and strategic delivery across multiple Premier League clubs speaks for itself.

“Angus joins us at a pivotal time, and we know his energy, expertise, and experience make him the perfect man to lead Everton as we move into an exciting new era.”