Hibs closing in on Leeann Dempster replacement as 'meticulous' search nears conclusion

Hibs owner Ron Gordon anticipates the appointment of a new chief executive before the end of the current campaign, promising that the board are finally nearing the end of a punctilious and time-consuming vetting process.

Hibs' executive chairman and owner Ron Gordon has been seeking a replacement for former chief executive Leeann Dempster since her December departure. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

The Easter Road club have been operating without a permanent CEO since Leeann Dempster vacated the role at the turn of the year.

She walked away after six successful years with the Leith club, having restored their Premiership status and overseen the winning of the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years. But with the club still searching for her successor, her day to day responsibilities have been handled internally on a temporary basis.

It is understood that there has been serious interest from north and south of the border as well as outwith the UK and, speaking on the day he addressed the club’s shareholders and fans at the AGM, via webinar, the executive chairman said matters were reaching a conclusion and he expects to be in a position to name his new chief executive by early May.

“We are in the process, I would say in the final stages, of our search. I don’t want to predict anything, but I would think that some time within the next 30 days we should be able to make an appointment.

“But, we are still interviewing. We have had a terrific number of applicants, over 100 applicants and interested parties.

“It is a fantastic club and it is a wonderful position for somebody in football. We are being very meticulous about it and are excited about the prospect of bringing somebody in who can help the club advance.”

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