Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is set to stay at the club with owner Farhad Moshiri believing he has an important role to play. After chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief financial officer Grant Ingles, and non-executive director and former striker Graeme Sharp left their positions last week, chairman Kenwright’s career seemed to be in jeopardy. Farhad Moshiri, the owner of Everton, said on Friday morning that Kenwright had agreed to his plea to stay at the team and support them through a time of change.
“I was hoping Bill Kenwright would continue to serve as our club’s chairman at this crucial time of change, and I’m thrilled that he did,” Everton owner Farhad Moshiri said. “When it comes to starting again, delivering on external investment, and setting up Everton for success in the future, Bill’s knowledge and wealth of experience will be invaluable to us.”
Kenwright, who has served in his current position for 19 years, was the major target of the protests from fans, which led to the most recent board changes. In addition, Everton announced the hiring of James Maryniak as acting chief financial officer and the appointment of Colin Chong as interim chief executive and director. Along with John Spellman, a seasoned chartered accountant and Everton supporter, majority shareholder Moshiri will also join the board as a non-executive director as part of the adjustments. MSP Capital, an American investment firm, and the club are close to finalizing an agreement to purchase a share in it—possibly as much as 25%. Everton is also being investigated by the Premier League for violating profit and sustainability standards.
“It makes sense from a commercial standpoint, but I may not regard it the same way as a fan. Some of the fanbase’s worry is not eased by the news. Many of the supporters desired that this be the day he eventually departed the team,” Peter McPartland said. “I think it utterly absurd that he is still on the board of directors, especially in light of what was said about the fans in January. It does enrage me, and I am sure that many Everton supporters will also be furious about this choice.”
For more football news, click here
