Hibernian are closing in on the appointment of a new chief executive, owner Ian Gordon revealed.
The Easter Road club announced a number of changes on Friday, with Gordon – previously an executive director since the death of his father Ron in 2022 – stepping up to become chairman, succeeding current non-executive chairman Malcolm McPherson.
In addition, Black Knight president Tim Bezbatchenko will assume billionaire Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s seat as an executive director, taking one of the two seats occupied by Black Knight Football Group, who forged a strategic partnership with the Easter Road club last year.
With the aid of Black Knight, Hibs have identified a new chief executive after previous incumbent Ben Kensell departed by mutual consent in January.
“Tim and I and the board have, over the last few months, had many, many candidates and we’re very pleased with the level of candidates that came forward,” Gordon said in a club interview.
“So after a very thorough process, we’re at the point now where we’re very happy with the person we’re moving forward with.
“We think he’ll be a great fit for us to manage the business side of the club and a cultural fit. So he’s working his period now at his current club and we should be hopefully announcing that in the coming months.”
Bezbatchenko explained why he has taken Foley’s seat on the Hibs board.
“Yeah, since joining Black Knight last year, it is sort of a natural transition for me to step onto the board, given my location in the UK, as well as my constant contact with Ian and the other members of the board,” he said.
“I think this was always the plan to join the board and really connect at a deeper level. So just because Bill is stepping away, he’s still engaged day to day, whether or not that’s in executive meetings with Ian or speaking with me frequently on the phone or on other meetings and calls.
“Bill loves his football clubs. He’s connected to all of them, including Hibernian so we’re excited about that.”
In another tweak involving the Gordon family, Ian’s brother Colin will replace their mother Kit on the Hibs board.
“I think as we’ve processed everything over the last couple years, this is the position, the direction we wanted to head,” said Gordon.
“My brother and I are kind of leading the family businesses moving forward and so this was an appropriate time for my brother to get involved and Kit to step away a little bit. But she’s very much still involved and loves Hibs and is a part of the community foundation and the women’s team and is here all the time. It is a huge part of her life. It’s just about getting my brother into the mix and he’s excited to get started.”
