FA Statement: Alex Horne

The Football Association Board today appointed Alex Horne as General Secretary of The FA Group with immediate effect. He takes up this permanent role as the senior executive of the organisation having been acting CEO since March 2010.

The Board also today installed Roger Burden as acting Chairman of The FA pending the appointment of a new independent non-executive Chairman.

Roger Burden said: “The Board has been greatly impressed by the work that Alex Horne has done in his seven years at The FA. We are confident that in appointing Alex to lead the executive on a permanent basis he will provide strong leadership and stability.

“As a Board we will now draw breath to define the role and search for a new independent non-executive Chairman. We will be seeking an individual who has football understanding and who can oversee the broad business of The Football Association.”

David Sheepshanks, who has stepped down from his acting role, said: “We had a very constructive discussion at the Board and concluded together that it was preferable to have one single point of accountability during this interim period as we focus on this summer’s World Cup and the 2018 bid.

“I did not put myself forward for this sole role having a number of other business and football commitments not least leading the very important St George’s Park project. I am delighted that Roger is undertaking the Chairmanship in the interim and, together with my colleagues on the Board, I will be offering him my full support whilst we seek a new Chairman.”

Alex Horne added: “I am delighted that the Board has asked me to take this role in leading The FA Group. I have enjoyed my seven years in various roles with The FA and am looking forward to this exciting challenge.

“I have excellent support from my team and the dedicated and talented staff at The FA.”

Alex Horne has been acting Chief Executive since March 2010. Formerly The FA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), he was responsible for the delivery of all Corporate Services across the Group structure including finance. He also fulfilled the executive lead on the St George’s Park development. As Managing Director of Wembley Stadium from December 2006 to July 2008, Alex was responsible for the delivery of the stadium’s events and all areas of its day to day operation after ensuring a smooth handover from stadium constructors Multiplex. Prior to joining The FA in 2003 as Finance Director, Alex qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers specialising in business improvement and corporate turnaround assignments.

Note: The title of General Secretary is commonly used in football for the leading executive officer at national and international associations.