Sunderland have appointed Steve Davison as the club's new chief operating officer - a role that will see him take charge of all business operations and non-footballing departments at the Stadium of Light.
Davison, a Durham University graduate and life-long Sunderland fan, joins the Black Cats after spending 35 years at engineering and project management consultancy Atkins, where his senior roles included director of operations.
Davison said: “"As a Sunderland supporter, I recognise the integral role that the club plays within the city and the community.
"Understanding that unique relationship will be pivotal as we rebuild and reconnect, whilst implementing a long-term strategy that ensures sustainable and lasting success throughout each area of the club."
Chief executive Jim Rodwell added: "I am delighted to welcome Steve to Sunderland AFC.
"He will add valuable expertise to the executive function of the club and further underpin the long-term strategy we have put in place.
"We are looking forward to working with Steve, as we embark on a new era for the club."
Davison's appointment comes weeks after executive director Neil Fox left the club, resigning from the football club board and numerous other companies connected with the club.
Fox was owner Stewart Donald's right-hand man, and was brought in soon after Donald took over the club in 2018.
But Donald is in the process of selling a majority stake in the club to Swiss billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, with the takeover currently being scrutinised by the EFL.
As Louis-Dreyfus' takeover draws closer, a number of changes have taken place both on the football side - with the appointment of sporting director Kristjaan Speakman last month paving the way for the arrival of Lee Johnson as head coach as the club moved away from the traditional managerial structure - and off the field.
Fox's departure was seen as another step towards a change in ownership, and the arrival of Davison to pick up many of his responsibilities is another sign that Louis-Dreyfus is close to completing his takeover.
