Everton owners The Friedkin Group are keen to appoint Leeds United’s Angus Kinner as chief executive officer (CEO) of the club ahead of their move to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The Toffees have been without a permanent CEO since Denise Barrett-Baxendale resigned from the role in the summer of 2023. In the absence of a permanent CEO, Colin Chong has been in the role on an interim basis and has mostly been occupied by the completion of the new 52,888-seater stadium.
The Friedkin Group are keen on appointing a CEO as soon as possible in order to oversee a new era ahead of a busy summer transfer window. Although they took a close look at Fulham’s highly-regarded Alistair Mackintosh and ex-Arsenal executive Vinai Venkatesham, Kinnear emerged as the leading prospect and TFG also enlisted the help of renowned recruiters Nolan Partners.
Kinnear has been with Leeds United since 2017. Well respected by the staff, he has taken on a wide range of roles from player transfers to the proposed expansion of Elland Road. Before moving to Yorkshire, he spent the previous four years as West Ham’s managing director. The 47-year-old also spent a decade with Arsenal as director of marketing, sales and partnerships.
He is currently focused on overseeing Leeds United’s return to the Premier League. The Yorkshire-based club are currently leading the Championship table and are seven points clear of third with 12 matchdays remaining.
This is not the only major shakeup that the Toffees are expecting ahead of next season. Reports recently emerged about director of football Kevin Thelwell leaving his post at the end of the current term. It remains to be seen who TFG will appoint as his replacement.