Ayre will step down in May 2017
The news that Ian Ayre is to step down as CEO of Liverpool FC in May 2017 (when his current contract expires) has been announced by the club in the last hour, in news that is sure to please a large number of fans.
The local lad joined the club in 2007 as Commercial Director, being promoted to various positions before eventually rising to CEO in 2013 – a position that has been a bone of contention for many over the past few years.
The club’s owners had their own words to add at the news, which they were made aware of a few months ago. As a group, FSG had this to say (via Liverpoolfc.com): “Ian advised us of his intention to step down as CEO a few months ago.
“We asked him on several occasions to take some time to reconsider his decision, but have been unable to convince him to remain as CEO beyond May 2017. We will at some point in the near future begin identifying and recruiting a worthy successor to continue to build on the outstanding foundations which have been laid by Ian.
“Under his leadership, we have seen Liverpool transform from a club that was on the brink of bankruptcy, to one which today enjoys strong financial and operational health.
“Stability is a commodity often under-valued in sporting organisations, but it has been a fundamental hallmark of Ian’s time in charge. Liverpool will reap the benefits of his outstanding work for many years to come.
“We have always found Ian to be dedicated, honest, passionate and committed to doing the right thing for the long-term interests of the football club. These fit with our own values as owners and we owe him greatly for the personal sacrifices he has made for the club.
“It is typical of the person he is, once again, Ian is putting the club ahead of his own interest in wanting to announce his decision 15 months before he steps down. This now provides us with plenty of time and space to find a suitable successor.”
Few would doubt that Ayre has overseen a huge upturn in Liverpool’s commercial fortunes in recent years, with the club slowly beginning the long catch-up to rivals such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea but there have often been missteps on that front and the perceived stalling over a number of big transfer deals irked many fans along the way.
The final straw for many was Ayre’s part (and subsequent response) to the ticket price rises last month, which were quickly overturned following a fan protest. Regardless of how most fans may feel about Ayre, FSG will no doubt urge fans to remember the positive aspects of his tenure as LFC CEO.
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