Sunderland Appoint Tim Greenwell As Chief Operating Officer

Tim Greenwell has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland AFC, subject to regulatory approval.

Greenwell will join the Premier League club on 7th September and will work alongside outgoing COO Paul Kingsmore during a planned transition period. He will formally take up his COO duties in full at the end of September, when Paul leaves the club.

He joins Sunderland following a ten-year spell with Southampton FC, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to the Chairman and CEO, he held executive responsibility across the club’s sporting, commercial and business support functions, including stadium and training ground operations, people, governance, risk and capital projects.

During his time at Southampton, he oversaw more than £70m of capital investment across the stadium and training facilities, helped deliver significant improvements to matchday operations and revenues, and played a leading role in major strategic, operational and regeneration projects. He also brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, reputation management and crisis response.

Prior to moving into football, Greenwell held senior legal and leadership positions with organisations including Toyota (GB), Deutsche Bank, White & Case and Allen & Overy.

Since leaving Southampton in 2025, he has worked as Founder of 401 Sports Strategies, advising elite sporting organisations and other businesses on strategy, governance, growth and major projects.

Paul Kingsmore will continue in his role as COO until the end of September, providing leadership and support across the club while working closely with Greenwell to ensure a smooth and effective handover. This will include supporting the club through the important opening UEFA fixtures and other key operational priorities during the month.

Images: Sunderland AFC