Manchester United Foundation is pleased to announce Ashley Hackett as its new CEO, following the departure of John Shiels after an 18-year tenure.
Ashley joins the Foundation from Blackpool FC Community Trust, at which he served over 15 years. During his role as CEO of the Trust, Ashley led significant growth, increasing turnover from £225,000 to £3.2m, securing more than £25m in charitable funding, and delivering high-impact initiatives.
Ashley is widely recognised as a sector leader, having led major capital and regeneration projects, and has served for the EFL on the Community Board as the first football charity lead in that role.
Ashley said: “As a lifelong Manchester United fan and season-ticket holder, it brings my family and I great pride to become the new CEO of Manchester United Foundation - an organisation I have always admired.
“I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with the amazing team in place, to build on the incredible legacy that has been led by John, and continue to develop a charity of which Manchester United fans and communities can be proud.
“I would also like to thank the staff, Board and fans at Blackpool FC and Blackpool FC Community Trust for a life-defining 15 years. The scheme and impact we have built in the most deprived town in the country fills me with great pride and I look forward to seeing what the team develops in the future.”
Collette Roche, Chair of Trustees for Manchester United Foundation and CEO, New Stadium Development at Manchester United, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ashley Hackett to Manchester United Foundation.
“He brings over 25 years of experience and expertise in the football charity and sports development sector, and a great passion for inspiring and developing young people and communities - values that strongly align with those of our charity. We’re delighted to have him on board and wish him all the best as he shapes the future of the Foundation.”
Ashley will take up the role in June, as the Foundation builds on its mission to support young people from communities across Greater Manchester and beyond to make positive choices in their lives.