At its meeting today, Independent Non-Executive Chairman Ian Lenagan informed the EFL Board that, as a result of increasing opportunities arising out of his business interests away from EFL specific matters, he would not be seeking re-election for a second term in 2019.
The EFL Board understood and accepted his decision. Further it was agreed with him that the League’s interests would be best served by beginning the process to select and appoint a successor immediately. As a result Mr Lenagan has today stepped down from his role and Debbie Jevans CBE will act as interim Chair and lead the new appointment process.
Mr Lenagan first joined the Board in 2013 before replacing Greg Clarke as Chairman in 2016. During this period the League has been through an important period of transformation.
One of his first tasks as Chairman was to guide the League through one of the most significant changes in its 130-year history when it was rebranded from the Football League to the EFL, in order to give it a fresh, modern and globally recognised identity.
He also made important strides in boosting the profile of the work of the EFL and that of its 72 Clubs in the Community. As Chairman he harnessed the power of football and the impact the game can have on people’s day-to-day lives.
In addition, he oversaw a range of progressive Youth Development initiatives that were specifically designed to have a positive influence on the England National team at all levels by creating more and better home grown players. These included EFL Futures, the introduction of Club Developed Players and the re-formatting of the EFL Trophy.
Attendances broke the 18 million barrier for the first time in over 50-years during his tenure, whilst the League became one of the most watched sports properties in Europe.
Whilst Chairman he also successfully helped steer the League through a difficult challenge to the Championship Division’s Financial Fair Play rules and during his Chairmanship secured long term commitments for Solidarity Payments, providing greater financial stability for all EFL Clubs.
The EFL Board wishes to place on record its appreciation for the contribution Mr Lenagan has made to the EFL during his time as Chairman and prior to that as the representative of Clubs in League Two.