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Artwork of Robert Elstone by Avinalaff

Robert Elstone - Former Chief Executive Officer


Robert Elstone was initially appointed as Deputy CEO of Everton in 2005, having forged a commanding reputation as an expert in sports business.

He arrived at Goodison from Deloitte, where he held the position as Director of the Sports Business Group.

But his first foray into the sporting world came almost a decade earlier when he was appointed as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League.

He impressed in that role and in 1997 moved to Deloitte for his first spell with the high-profile Leeds-based company.

He made a name for himself as the industry's first ever sports business consultant, establishing a telling foothold in new territory and acting as a successful advisor to leagues, clubs and sports related organisations on a range of strategic and commercial activities.

In 2000 he moved to BSkyB as the Director of Football Business Affairs and worked closely with a number of Premier League clubs following Sky's acquisition of equity in four leading clubs.

Utilising the unique skill-set he enhanced and developed during his time with Deloitte, Robert secured a series of key commercial agreements.

He returned to Deloitte in 2004 as the Director of the Sports Business Group that he had helped develop.

A year later and he made the switch to Goodison Park as Deputy CEO.

In his time at Everton Robert has introduced a number of key organisational and structural developments that have led to improved financial performance, greater stability in the business and a strong, empowered Management team.

Robert’s also been responsible for substantial commercial progress in retail, sponsorship – the Club’s record Chang deal - and ticketing.

He was appointed Acting CEO at Everton on August 5, 2008 - following the resignation of Keith Wyness.

On January 22, 2009, the Club confirmed that Robert was to become the permanent CEO.

On 15th May 2018, it was announced that Robert would be leaving his role to take up a new position in Rugby's Super League.

Departing Chief Executive Robert Elstone, who joined Everton as Deputy Chief Executive in 2005 before becoming Chief Executive in 2009, has led the growth, development and reputation of the Club over that period. In setting a very clear vision for Everton, he has been instrumental in Club strategy and has helped to build a Club widely respected for its fan and community engagement. He is highly regarded across the international football community.

He has led the Club’s new stadium project, defining the ‘Key Principles’ which will underpin a football and fan-centric new stadium design and reached an agreement in principle for a loan from Liverpool City Council which will contribute significantly to the costs of delivering the scheme at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Robert has also overseen significant commercial growth, including securing Club-record main partner and retail contracts, and building enduring partnerships with Chang, Fanatics and Umbro.

He has championed the affordable football that has seen Goodison Park full every week, breaking its Premier League attendance records and encouraging record numbers of young fans through the turnstiles. He was a key player in the introduction of the Premier League’s £30 away ticket price cap, introduced for the 2016/17 season and a driving force behind the establishment of the Club’s envied fan engagement strategies.

On leaving Everton, Mr Elstone said: “I have enjoyed 13 wonderful years here and feel privileged to have been able to play a significant role in the development of such a great Club. I will leave with many great memories, all shared with fantastic and talented colleagues.

“I have always said I am proud to have been given such an important custodial role and I leave a Club with a very clear sense of purpose and identity; one that places its fans ‘front and centre’ in all its decisions.


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