LONDON: The Football Association (FA) has announced that its current CEO Martin Glenn will be stepping down after two and a half years at the helm of the organization and will be replaced by its current commercial and football development head Mark Bullingham.
Bullingham joined The FA in August 2016 and has played a key role in transforming the commercial landscape of the not-for-profit governing body, with a number of high-profile and record-breaking broadcast, sponsorship, licensing and hospitality deals across the FA, St. George’s Park and the Wembley Stadium.
These include recent tie-ups with the likes of McDonalds, PayPal, Nike and Barclays. He helped grow annual FA revenue by 25%, clinch the successful 2021 UEFA Women’s EURO bid, tripling Wembley Stadium concert revenue and restructuring the FA’s Participation & Development programme.
“This is an incredibly exciting time to be at The Football Association and I’m delighted to be given this opportunity,” Bullingham stated.
“I’m hugely passionate about the role The FA plays in improving the English game and our positive contribution to society. Getting kids across the country active and learning life skills such as teamwork and communication is incredibly rewarding.
“I’m confident in the talent and determination of the workforce here and the direction we are heading together.
“However, there is still a huge amount to do; from transforming the quality of amateur pitches, to doubling the women’s and girls’ game across the country, to hosting major international tournaments, to building digital tools to help volunteers across all areas of the grassroots game. The to-do list is long but we know that as a team, we can deliver huge progress.
“I would also like to thank Martin Glenn for his support over the last two and a half years. Martin has played a principal role in making The FA a more modern, innovative and inclusive organisation. He has created a strong leadership team that is making a real difference at every level of English football.”
FA chairman Greg Clarke added: “Following a full and thorough recruitment process, it gives me huge pleasure and great confidence that the best candidate has come from within the organisation.
“Mark has played a key role in the recent success of The FA and under his leadership the organisation will continue to break new ground.
“I know Mark and his qualities well. He is undoubtedly the best person to lead The FA as we head into an exciting new era.”
UK media reports suggest that Bullingham’s elevation will coincide with the FA changing its name to the English Football Association, so as to rebuild its image and shed perceptions of its ‘arrogance’ within the international community.
