John Ward has been appointed chairperson of Livingston FC as part of a boardroom reshuffle.
Ward moves from his role of CEO following the retirement of former chair Robert Wilson, who stepped aside after 14 years with the club.
Dave Black, currently Business Development Manager and head of media and commercial operations, will replace Ward in the CEO role.
A lifelong Livi fan, Black joined the club in 2020, while Ward has filled a variety of roles including main sponsor and director before being appointed CEO seven years ago. He took a break in 2019, returning to the club the following year.
Reflecting on the change, Ward said: “I took on the role of CEO when the club had back-to-back promotions as the board felt we needed to put a formal structure around the business side of things. My business interests outwith the club have meant I am travelling most weeks and rarely based at the club.
“We feel the club needed a CEO who is in the building on a day-to-day basis and can support staff to manage the business side of things efficiently.
“Dave has grown in stature and ability in the time he’s been here and I believe he’s earned this opportunity.
“I am delighted to remain involved as chairperson and will, of course, continue to remain on the board of directors as we seek to attract new talent and investment to the club. It is a huge honour to be asked to take over from Robert and I am looking forward to next season.”
Wilson announced his intention to retire last week, saying: “It’s been a genuine honour to serve as the Chairperson of Livingston FC.
“I’ve seen lots in my time here, good and bad, but I feel like now is the best time for me to step aside and allow a freshness to the board but also knowing I leave as the club gets set to take on a record breaking sixth season in the top flight – something we could only have dreamed of back in 2016 when we were in League One.”
Black, meanwhile, called his appointment the ‘biggest honour of my working life’, saying: “I’ve been a Livingston fan since that first game back in 1995.
“I’ve been a mascot, a ball boy, I’ve sold programmes, worked in the bar, ran the club shop, ran the supporter’s all team, helped run the supporters’ bus, been on the board of the Supporters’ Trust and before it became my job, I was already running the club social media.
“It’s without doubt the biggest honour of my working life to be given the opportunity to take the reins as Chief Executive.
“This club is my passion and I’ll continue to work as tirelessly as I have for the last three-and-a-half years to do all we can to make Livingston FC as successful as we can and ultimately, a club our supporters can be proud of.”
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