Sunderland AFC has appointed Martin Bain as the club’s new chief executive officer. Bain, who is currently chief executive at leading Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, will take up his new role at the Stadium of Light on July 1, 2016.
Bain, 47, brings with him a wealth of experience in both the football and business worlds. He has overseen one of the most successful periods in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s history, which has yielded on the field success with a domestic treble in 2015 and Champions League qualification, whilst off the field he has driven strong commercial growth and transformed the club’s finances. Additionally, as a board director of the Israeli Premier League, he was integral in recently achieving an unprecedented central broadcast deal.
Prior to joining Maccabi, Bain was CEO at Rangers Football Club and a director of the Scottish Premier League. During his tenure, the club won three consecutive league titles, reached the final of the UEFA Cup and regularly appeared in the group stages of the Champions and Europa League.
Speaking about the appointment, Sunderland AFC chairman, Ellis Short, said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to Sunderland. With his commercial experience, commitment to working closely with local communities and impressive track record of building winning teams on and off the pitch, I know that we have someone that can take us forward.
“Martin will strive to transform our financial performances, which we acknowledge must improve significantly, into a stable and successful model, to give us a club that we and our fans can be proud of. In doing so, he will receive the full support of everyone at Sunderland AFC.”
Martin Bain said: “It is a great honour and privilege to become CEO at a club with Sunderland’s rich history and heritage. I have been fortunate to be a part of a team that has brought great success to two clubs with passionate supporter bases and I am excited by the opportunity to do the same at Sunderland.
“Sunderland fans are recognised as some of the most loyal and passionate in football. The backing they gave the team in the two recent vital home games played an integral part in the victories. Such tremendous support deserves a successful club and that is what we will aim to give them.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the chairman and everyone involved with the club, and will endeavour to do everything possible to help the club to realise its potential.”
