Sunderland AFC today announced that James Rodwell has stepped down from his role as the club’s Chief Executive Officer.
Rodwell joined SAFC in April 2020 with the express task of ensuring that Stewart Donald’s pledge to sell the club was executed as swiftly and responsibly as possible. Following the sale of a controlling stake to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus in December, and the subsequent approval by the EFL, that task has now been successfully completed.
Outgoing owner Stewart Donald commented: “Jim’s tireless work and calm professionalism in dealing with numerous bidding entities over the course of the last year or so has helped us achieve a very difficult task. Selling a football club is never straightforward, but to do so in the current environment has been especially challenging. I want to place on record my warm thanks for completing the task that he embarked upon back in the spring and wish him the very best for wherever his career takes him next.”
Rodwell said: “It was an honour to be appointed CEO of such an iconic club and I will always be grateful for the opportunity Stewart Donald gave me. I also want to thank the Board and staff at SAFC for the support they have given me during some exceptionally difficult times. It will always be a sadness that I did not get to experience a full and buzzing Stadium of Light as CEO – but the supporters who I have met during my time in the city have only reaffirmed what a wonderful support base the club is so fortunate to have. I am in no doubt that with control being transferred to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, whose family have a stellar track record in football club ownership, those fans can look forward to a bright future.”
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “I would like to thank Jim for the support that he has given me during the sale process. His integrity and professionalism have been much in evidence, and the good leadership he has displayed in maintaining the stability of the club during the Covid-19 pandemic should also be recognised. We all wish him well for the future.”