The FAI has confirmed the appointment of Jonathan Hill as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The former Group Commercial Director with the English FA will take up his new role on November 1st and will initially share time between London and Dublin, depending on public health and travel restrictions.
Hill’s appointment has been unanimously ratified by the Board of the FAI, on the recommendation of the Association’s Nominations Committee.
He came through a strong recruitment process and brings with him a strong commercial and sponsorship background.
As well as his role with the FA, the 57-year-old Hill was also Commercial Director of Wembley National Stadium and Commercial Director for Euro ’96.
His recent experience includes working with IMG and as CEO for the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Honoured
“I am truly honoured to be appointed to the role of CEO of the FAI,” said Hill. “I am greatly looking forward to working with the staff, the wider football community, our commercial stakeholders and the Government moving forward, driving the development of football at every level within Ireland, overseeing the ongoing process of business transformation within the organisation and, of course, facing the challenges that Covid presents for our game.”
“On behalf of everyone involved with Irish football and following a full and thorough recruitment process overseen by leading international recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson, I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Football Association of Ireland,” added FAI Chair Roy Barrett.
“I know Jonathan’s experience in the commercial and football worlds will bring real benefit to the FAI and I look forward to working with him on behalf of all our stakeholders as we build for the future.”
Perspective
That perspective was echoed by FAI President Gerry McEnaney who said “Jonathan’s appointment is set to be a turning point for Irish football after the events of the last 18 months and we all wish him well with this new role.”
“I would also like to thank interim CEO Gary Owens for his immense contribution and invaluable leadership in his time with us. Gary brought great stability to the FAI over the last 10 months and my hope is that Gary will remain involved with Irish football in some way going forward.”
“I really look forward to Jonathan’s arrival and working alongside him in the transition period,” said Owens.
“I know from experience that he is about to join a really strong team and I want to thank all the staff for the significant progress made and their hard work over the last 10 months.”
Sport for Business Partners