Martin Glenn has been appointed the new chief executive of the Football Association and will replace the outgoing general secretary, Alex Horne, in May.
Glenn, who has extensive experience in marketing, will leave his current role as chief executive of United Biscuits – home to the brands McVitie’s and Jacobs – and take up his new post at Wembley on 18 May. The FA described Glenn as “a veteran of industry” and the chairman, Greg Dyke, called him a “natural leader”.
The 54-year-old was a non-executive director at Leicester City between 2002 and 2006 and has previously worked as the chief executive of Birds Eye and marketing manager for Walkers. A Wolves supporter, Glenn first enlisted Gary Lineker as the face of Walkers’ marketing campaign in the 1990s.
Glenn, an FA qualified grassroots coach, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been chosen to play my part in shaping the future direction of the FA. There are few more important and interesting places to work than Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park and I am very much looking forward to meeting the staff and leading them into an exciting new period.
“I have coached football at grassroots level, have sat on the board of a Premier League football club and have spent my time on the terraces at Molineux where I have a season ticket. I hope this informs my work at the FA as we look to inspire everyone to be involved in what is the nation’s most watched and played team sport.
“I very much hope my personal experience of operating in highly competitive global markets will help the FA in its own drive to promote greater success for our all of our national teams in international tournaments.”
Glenn, previously dubbed the “Codfather” of frozen foods, has also worked for Cadbury Schweppes, Mars and Deloitte.
Dyke added: “On behalf of the FA board I am delighted with the appointment of Martin Glenn as chief executive officer of the Football Association. He brings with him a wealth of experience as a CEO to what is an extremely important role in English football, and he will play a key part in helping us shape and deliver our new strategic priorities for the years ahead.
“I know, as a football fan, he will take great pride in the job and he will be an asset to the FA and will lead the organisation through a significant period of change. Martin came through a highly competitive process, and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. He is a natural leader and I look forward to working with him.”
