Changes To The Wembley Stadium Board

Wembley Stadium, which has now been operational for over a year, announced today a number of changes to its Board of Directors. The changes,...

Wembley Stadium, which has now been operational for over a year, announced today a number of changes to its Board of Directors. The changes, approved by the parent company the FA and effective from 1 July 2008, have been made to maximize the potential of the business as a world class venue and reflect the move away from the construction phase of the stadium.

The key changes see existing Non-Executive Director, David Bernstein take over from Michael Jeffries as Chairman and two new Non-Executive Director appointments - Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club and Melvin Benn, music promoter and CEO of Festival Republic - the company behind the Reading and Leeds Festivals.

After six years, Michael Jeffries has decided to step down from his role as Chairman of Wembley National Stadium Limited. Jeffries whose background is in construction, has chaired the Wembley Stadium Board since 2002.

Michael Jeffries said: "I am delighted to have had the privilege to bring the Wembley dream to reality and to be stepping down at a time when the future looks good for Wembley. I will always be a great supporter of the stadium and will continue to watch events there with pride.”

FA Chairman, Lord Triesman said: “As Chairman of the Wembley Board, Michael has played an instrumental role in delivering this country a world class national stadium, playing a crucial role through all stages of the project - the demolition, design, construction and successful opening of the stadium. On behalf of all the team at Wembley Stadium and at The FA I would like to thank Michael and wish him the very best for the future.

“Michael passes the reins of Chairman to David Bernstein. A Non-Executive Director on the Wembley Stadium board since April 2003 and the former Chairman of Manchester City, David has vast experience in the business of stadia and throughout his time at Wembley has made an invaluable contribution to the successful delivery and opening of the stadium. On behalf of Wembley and The FA, I’d like to congratulate David and wish him well in his new role.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome two new Non-Executive Directors – Ian Ritchie and Melvin Benn. Between them they have extensive experience of operating truly world-class venues and staging the very best of sports and entertainment events. The revised board structure reflects the changing needs of the stadium and provides the business with relevant and invaluable experience that will help the stadium fully realise its potential.”

David Bernstein, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as Chairman of Wembley Stadium. As someone who has always been involved in football and live events, Wembley has always been close to my heart and it has been a real honour to be involved in helping the dream of the new national stadium come to fruition. Wembley Stadium is a truly fantastic venue and can attract the very best events. I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members and the team at Wembley to consolidate its position as one of the world’s greatest sports and entertainment venues.”

As of 1st July the Wembley Stadium board will comprise of:
- David Bernstein, Chairman
- Phil Gartside
- Ian Ritchie
- Melvin Benn
- Scott Martin
- Lord Triesman, The FA’s Chairman
- Brian Barwick, The FA’s CEO
- Alex Horne, Wembley Stadium’s Managing Director
- Roger Maslin, Wembley Stadium’s Finance Director