Everton appoints chief helm, Goodison Park Stadium is about to bid farewell after 124 years of use

Premier League Everton Football Club issued an official statement on May 12, announcing that Kinneal officially took over as CEO. This senior manager who has been deeply involved in the football industry for more than 20 years, was the chief executive of Leeds United club from 2017 to 2023. He earlier held core management positions at Arsenal and West Ham United, and has accumulated rich experience in top league operations.

Everton Executive Chairman Watts emphasized in an official statement: "Kinneal's joining injects strong momentum into the club. The leadership and strategic execution he has shown in many Premier League giants is self-evident. At this critical juncture of the club's development, we firmly believe that he will lead Everton to open a new chapter with outstanding professional qualities and innovative thinking."

This personnel adjustment is at the club's historic moment. Since 1892, the Goodison Park Stadium, which has carried countless glory, is about to retire, and the new home court of Bramley Moore Marina, which has been built for £500 million, is about to be put into use. The modern stadium with a capacity of 52,888 will be officially unveiled this summer, and the home game against Southampton on May 18 will be the century-long farewell game at Goodison Stadium.

With Kinneal taking the lead, interim CEO Colin Zhong will be transferred to his post to return to his position as Chief Real Estate and Reconstruction Officer, focusing on leading the three major strategic projects: the construction of the new home court, the upgrading and renovation of the surrounding area and the development of the Goodison site. This personnel arrangement highlights the club's precise control over professional division of labor during the strategic transformation period.

It is worth noting that the Friedkin Group from Texas, USA has completed a full takeover of the club. After reaching an acquisition agreement with Mo Xuli in September 2023, the consortium successfully completed the delivery of 98.8% of the equity of Blue Star Holdings in December. As a capital giant that also holds a stake in the Serie A Rome Club, the acquisition of Friedkin Group provides solid guarantees for Everton's revival plan.