Backroom changes at Oxford United

Ian Lenagan has unveiled New Marketing & Sales Team and new Finance/Operations Director.

Paul Wright is the new Finance and Operations Director

Paul is a highly experienced Finance Director, qualifying initially with KPMG as a Chartered Accountant before a successful career as FD in private companies and as CFO and CEO in Main Market and AIM-listed public companies. He has over 10 years’ experience working together with Ian Lenagan as Chairman in previous companies and has joined Oxford United as of the 1st July. Paul is a keen sports supporter with also three years’ experience as part-time FD at Harlequins RL.

Paul takes control of all areas of the club’s finance from the departing Susannah Maxa (who will be moving to Devon with her family this month) plus the whole Operations area.

Paul becomes a full Member of the Board of Oxford United Ltd with immediate effect.

Tony Davison has joined the club as Commercial Director.

Tony has previously worked for Sunderland FC, Wembley Stadium and commercial sports giants IMG and SportFive. He brings a wealth of commercial football experience to the club and has started work at with the club this week reporting directly to Ian Lenagan:

Tony will be supported in the Commercial Department by two very familiar faces. Gemma Drewett will extend her sales work with the Youth and Community Trust, after an excellent start with Oxford United,to working across the whole Club whilst there is a new role in Sales for Peter Rhoades-Brown. Peter will move from his role in Community to a newly created additional post in the Sales Department reporting also to Tony Davison.

Gerald Kelly has been appointed as Marketing Manager.

Gerald played football locally in Oxfordshire whilst completing his degree in marketing, then worked at Wycombe Wanderers before moving to Harlequins Rugby Union club and becoming Community Marketing Manager where, among his marketing duties,he co-ordinated their massively successful ‘Big Match’ at Twickenham. Gerald assumed responsibility this week for all marketing and ticket sales at the U`s.

Chris Williams will continue in his role in charge of Press and Media and will now report to Tony Davison as part of the Commercial Team.

Two further changes see Lucy Townsend step up as Club Shop Manager following the retirement of Hilary Sillman while Adrian Spiers becomes the new Safety Officer after thirty years as part of the stewarding team at the club.

We welcome all the new appointments at the club with off field operations now taking a professional shape.