Fai Appoint Jonathan Hill As New Ceo
Former FA Commercial Director Jonathan Hill has been appointed as the new CEO of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
The organisation confirmed the appointment, which was unanimously ratified by its Board on the recommendation of the FAI’s Nominations Committee.
Hill will begin his role at the organisation on 1st November 2020, taking over from current Interim Chief Executive Gary Owens. He will then become the first person to hold the job permanently since John Delaney stepped aside in March 2019. Since then, however, four people – including Owens – have held the post on a temporary basis.
The news comes as the FAI face debts of over €60m, and is scheduled to host Group Stage games at the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament.
“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,” said Roy Barrett, the FAI Board’s Chairperson.
“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.”
Hill added: “I am truly honoured to be appointed to the role of CEO of the FAI and 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.”
Hill has previously been the FA’s Commercial Director, doubling the organisation’s commercial income, as well as working as Commercial Director across numerous FA projects, including at Wembley Stadium and of Euro 96. He has also held roles at IMG and served as CEO of the Laureus World Sports Awards.
