EFL Seeks Next Chief Executive To Lead Its Next Chapter
An opportunity to shape the future of a 72-club competition, drive commercial growth and champion a sustainable football pyramid.
The English Football League (EFL) is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development, with applications open until midnight on Friday 20 November 2026.
Spanning three divisions and reaching millions of supporters, the EFL offers an influential leadership opportunity at the heart of English football. Reporting to the EFL Board, the successful candidate will work with clubs and stakeholders to shape the League’s future purpose and ambition while protecting the communities and heritage that underpin the competition.
The brief is to build on progress rather than reinvent the organisation. The role profile describes an EFL that is stronger financially, commercially, operationally and culturally than it was five years ago, providing a platform for its next leader to take the League forward.
Three priorities shaping the opportunity
Securing football’s future financial settlement will be a defining task. The next CEO will work with the Premier League and wider stakeholders to establish a sustainable financial framework that supports clubs across the football pyramid.
Broadcast and commercial growth are also central to the agenda. Building on existing foundations, the CEO will position the EFL to maximise domestic and international media rights opportunities, particularly in high-growth territories including North America and emerging global markets.
Alongside those priorities, the new leader will help define the next era of the EFL, working with clubs, the Board and stakeholders to respond to regulatory change, evolving supporter expectations, new technologies and the future direction of professional football.
A leader for clubs, colleagues and the wider game
Serving the EFL’s membership will be at the heart of the role. The CEO will build trusted relationships with club owners, Chairs and executives, bringing together different priorities around a shared ambition for a strong, sustainable and successful League.
As the EFL’s leading ambassador and negotiator, the successful candidate will represent its interests across football, government and business. Internally, they will lead a highly engaged workforce and sustain a culture in which talented people want to work and are proud to contribute.
Integrity, transparency, courage, inclusion, accountability and good governance are core expectations. The next CEO will be entrusted with the League’s reputation, recognising that strong governance and commercial success are mutually dependent.
Who should apply?
The search is not confined to football administration. Candidates may come from a sports governing body, rights-holding organisation, major commercial enterprise or another complex stakeholder environment. What matters is their ability to lead.
Applicants should demonstrate success as a CEO or equivalent senior leader, a strong commercial and strategic track record, and experience of organisational growth and transformation. Experience of complex governance and stakeholder environments, working with Boards and non-executive stakeholders, and leading through ambiguity and change will also be important.
How to apply
Interested applicants should contact Excel Search & Advisory directly at efl@excelsm.com. Applicants are asked not to contact the EFL directly, as doing so may delay consideration.
The advert remains live until midnight on Friday 20 November 2026.
The EFL is committed to an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It encourages candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply and aims to recruit the person most suited to the role.
