Leeds United appoint new acting CEO

LEEDS United have appointed former Blackburn Rovers executive Paul Hunt as acting chief executive.

Mr Hunt, who was deputy chief executive at Blackburn under Indian poultry giant Venky’s, replaces Shaun Harvey who stepped down earlier this month.

The new man, who was previously commercial director at Leicester City and Wigan Athletic, has been working with Leeds on a consultancy basis and his appointment comes two weeks before the start of the new Championship season.

Managing director David Haigh welcomed the appointment saying: “We are very pleased with this appointment as it strengthens the existing management team we have in place.

“Paul has already been working with the club in an advisory capacity and in his new role he will have a key part to play in the day-to-day management of the club.”

Mr Hunt left Blackburn in May 2011 after an email said to have been written by him and including a 10 point plan to the club’s owners aimed at preventing relegation, was leaked to a sports website.

Harvey’s departure came as Leeds United owner GFH Capital appointed Salah Nooruddin with Mr Haigh, deputy chief executive at GFH Capital, becoming managing director.