Exeter City to appoint fourth chairman in a year amid board changes
Wilf Walsh expected to be confirmed as chair in May
Exeter City is set to appoint its fourth chairman in less than a year, with Wilf Walsh expected to lead the board of directors from 7th May.
Walsh, currently chair of Cricket Scotland and the Racecourse Association, and a board member of the British Horseracing Authority, brings a wealth of experience in business and sports governance.
Prior to retiring in 2022, Walsh served as CEO for Carpetright and Nestware, its holding group.
His connection with the club extends beyond professional roles; he is an Exeter-born businessman and a season ticket holder at St James Park.
Walsh will take over from interim chair Laurence Overend, who stepped in last month following Richard Pym's resignation after a short tenure.
Pym had succeeded Nick Hawker, who resigned in June last year.
Exeter City's board restructuring comes amidst financial challenges, including job cuts and reliance on loans from the Exeter City Supporters' Trust amounting to approximately £600,000 this season.
Despite these issues, Overend recently assured supporters that the club would be solvent at the start of next season, though budget adjustments are anticipated.
Overend said: “We are delighted to welcome both Wilf and David to the Club Board. They bring a great deal of experience and a pragmatic approach to business. As well as these appointments, we are working alongside the Trust Board to continue to build on the work done over the last nine months to stabilise the Club’s finances and secure a sustainable future for the Club.”
Also joining the board in May is David Lee, returning after previous service from 2013 to 2020.
These board appointments are expected to strengthen the club's governance and support its financial recovery.