Chief exec to quit iconic football club
IAN Ayre says he will step down as the chief executive of Liverpool Football Club at the end of of his current contract which expires in May 2017.
The move will bring to an end a 10-year spell at iconic Merseyside club where he arrived as commercial director in 2007.
Ayre has told staff he has decided to quit because he is unable to continue to respond to the incredible 24-7 demands of the job for much longer, according to reports in the Mirror.
And he has denied the move has been prompted by the recent mass protest over ticket prices when a substantial section of Anfield supporters staged a walk-out.
Ayre has said that even though the owners FSG asked him several times to “reconsider his decision”, he has decided next year is the time to go.
“If becoming Chief Executive of Liverpool Football Club was the greatest honour of my professional life, then deciding to step down at the end of my current contract is by far the most difficult,” he said.
“Having the privilege to lead this great club comes with huge responsibility challenge, but one which I have relished, and I feel proud of my achievements in the role.
“I believe the end of next season is the right time to pass on the CEO baton to a new person, who will take on the challenges and opportunities with a fresh enthusiasm and vigour.
“Having been brought up in the shadow of Anfield, I have found it the most profound privilege to serve the club I have supported all my life.
“In the remaining 15 months I have as CEO, I will continue to provide FSG, Jurgen (Klopp, the manager), the players and all the brilliant staff at Liverpool ongoing strategic leadership and a smooth transition.”
The club’s three American majority shareholders issued a statement, after a meeting in America last week, where Ayre gave them his final decision over his future.
The owners, who replaced Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010 and appointed Ayre as CEO soon after, said: “Ian advised us of his intention to step down as CEO a few months ago. We asked him on several occasions to take some time to reconsider, but have been unable to convince him to remain as CEO beyond May 2017.
“We will at some point in the near future begin identifying and recruiting a worthy successor.
“Under his leadership we have seen Liverpool transform from a club that was on the brink of bankruptcy, to one which today enjoys strong financial and operational health.
“It is typical of the person he is. Once again Ian is putting the club ahead of his own interest in wanting to announce his decision 15 months before he steps down. This now provides us with plenty of time and space to find a suitable successor.”
