Portsmouth Football Club CEO, Mark Catlin was the big winner at last night’s Football Business Awards.

The League Two club’s CEO beat off competition from Liverpool FC’s Ian Ayre, Dean Hoyle from Huddersfield Town, Steve Curwood of Fleetwood Town and Ann Budge from Heart of Midlothian to take the overall prize.

Held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening, the Football Business Awards celebrate and reward the achievements of those working at football clubs across the UK. 

The fcbusiness CEO of the Year presented by VSI – Masters in Sport Directorship is one of the most prestigious of the evening which also included the inaugural NuCalm European CEO of the Year which was won by Atletico Madrid’s Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.

Amongst the other awards presented on the night was Best Marketing Initiative (Premier League) which was won by Everton FC, whilst Brighton & Hove Albion picked up the award for Best Marketing Initiative (non-Premier League).

Everton were double winners on the night also scooping the prize for Best Fan Engagement by a Club.

Despite having a tough time on the pitch, off it, Sunderland’s ground-breaking sensory room for people with sensory impairments was recognised with the award for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme.

Prostate Cancer UK and the LMA won Best Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year whilst Cardiff City won the award for Best Matchday Experience.

The ceremony was attended by over 500 football executives from across the UK.

Speaking of the awards, fcbusiness editor and Football Business Awards judge, Aaron Gourley, said: “The awards were fantastic tonight and I’d like to extend my congratulations to Mark Catlin, and to all of our CEOs who won awards. 

“Mark Catlin was the overwhelming choice of our readers having helped put Portsmouth back on an even keel after a turbulent few years for the club. He is also our first CEO from League Two to win the overall prize.

“The Football Business Awards are rightly regarded as one of the best awards ceremonies in football and all of the clubs and businesses competing for prizes showed outstanding work which made the judging process very difficult but highly rewarding.”

Full list of winners below: