Forest Green Rovers have confirmed chief executive Henry Staelens is stepping down. Mr Staelens became the youngest chief executive in the football league when he joined the Gloucestershire club in 2018, aged 30.
The League One side said his work had led to it posting “record commercial growth figures year-on-year”.
In a statement announcing his departure, Mr Staelens thanked the club and its chairman, Dale Vince, the founder of Stroud-based green energy firm Ecotricity, adding that he felt the time was right to “pass the baton on”.
Mr Staelens said: “It’s been a real pleasure to help lead this fantastic organisation – our mission is clear and authentic, and that has allowed us to engage with so many fans around the world.
“In turn, our upwards trajectory off the pitch has culminated in promotion to League One – which of course was a real highlight.”
Mr Vince added: “Losing Henry is a blow, he’s a talented individual, but I understand his reasons. We have had five great years together. I am very grateful to him and wish him all the best in his next role.”
Prior to his arrival at the Nailsworth-based club, Mr Staelens was the co-owner of Cheltenham-based content marketing agency PinPoint Media, which he exited in 2018.
Known for its environmentally-minded operations, which includes the use of technology that converts away fans’ urine into water and fertiliser for the pitch at is ground The New Lawn, Forest Green is currently awaiting a decision on plans for a new 5,000-capacity stadium, as part of major new development proposed off junction 13 of the M5 in Gloucestershire.
In the last set of accounts the club filed on Companies House for the financial year ending June 30 2021, it reported a £5.7m turnover, of which £2.8m came from commercial revenue. The club made a pre-tax profit of £1.3m during the period.
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