The great-great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, has been named as the new chairman of Livingston FC.
Calvin Ford has acquired 100 per cent of John McIlvogue’s shares in Baycup Ltd, which has held a significant shareholding in the club since the start of the 2023/24 season.
Ford, is now the majority shareholder at the West Lothian club and will act as the chairman as John Ward leaves his post in the boardroom.
The new Livingston chairman works as vice president of sales and marketing for Pentastar Aviation, a private aircraft management operation based outside of Detroit.
Founder and former owner of Baycup Ltd, McIlvogue said: “When I chose to invest in the football club I did so to be of help whether short, medium or long term. It has been a great pleasure to support the club through its difficulties and see it bounce back with the first silverware in over a decade and a real fight for Premiership promotion. I believe the time is now right for me to pass on my shares to an investor with a real appetite to take the club forward on and off the park.
“When I joined the club, I said my only aim was that when I leave the club is in a better place than when I arrived. I believe I have achieved this with Calvin’s acquisition of my shareholding.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters and staff of Livingston FC, a special mention to the staff who’s work behind the scenes goes largely unnoticed, their hard work and passion for Livingston Football Club is nothing short of incredible. I look forward to watch the club thrive with Calvin’s support and guidance”.
New chairman & majority shareholder Ford said, “I am overjoyed and honoured to be part of Livingston Football Club. What drew me to wanting to be involved with LFC was the incredible leadership that people like Davie Martindale and John Ward portray. They have a passion for this Club and community that is contagious, and I look forward to being part of something special here”.
Outgoing chairman, Ward said: “I am delighted to welcome Calvin to the club. I feel that for the first time in the history of Livingston Football Club we will have an owner who is working in the best interests of the club and fans.
“As a Director of Livingston Football Club, I look forward to working with Calvin. I believe his integrity and enthusiasm for football will bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community”.
