Hearts appoint Andrew McKinlay chief executive to ease Ann Budge's workload

Former SFA and Scottish Golf man to run daily operations

Andrew McKinlay is the new chief executive of Hearts.

Hearts today appointed former Scottish FA and Scottish Golf guru Andrew McKinlay as their new chief executive.

He will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations at Tynecastle Park, thus easing the workload on owner Ann Budge.

McKinlay previously worked as a senior executive with the SFA and Scottish Golf but said he is eager to get started at club level.

He told the Hearts website: “I could not be more delighted to join Hearts. I thank Ann and the board for allowing me the opportunity to join and help guide Hearts back to where we belong.

“Despite the recent disappointments we have endured there is still much to be positive about, not least the unbelievable backing of our fans and the upcoming transfer of ownership to the Foundation of Hearts.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone at Tynecastle and Oriam to deliver success both on and off the pitch for many years to come.”

Budge added: “I am very pleased to be able to welcome Andrew to the club as our new CEO.

“This appointment demonstrates that despite all that has been played out in the public eye over the last six months or so, the Board has not lost sight of our medium to long term goals.

“Given my stated intention to separate the roles of chairman and CEO when the majority ownership structure changes, I have been working for some time to identify a new CEO.

"Having interviewed a number of outstanding candidates for the position, the nominations committee members were unanimous in their decision to appoint Andrew.

“I will continue in my role as chairman because my work here is far from over. However, rather than continuing to juggle the demands of day-to-day operations with the longer-term strategic planning decisions, so essential to our future success, I will be focused on the latter.

“Andrew and I will be working closely together over the coming months and years to secure a bright future for the club, and I am very much looking forward to it.”

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