Hearts chief Andrew McKinlay leaving Tynecastle
Change at the top in Gorgie as CEO prepares to move on
Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay is set to leave the club after six years. McKinlay’s departure from Tynecastle Park comes as the club prepare to revamp their hierarchy. Ann Budge stepped down as chairwoman last year to be replaced by Calum Paterson, and McKinlay is set to follow at the end of this month.
Budge appointed McKinlay chief executive in August 2020 and he has overseen some positive and some difficult times in Gorgie over the last six years. Hearts qualified for Europe regularly during his tenure, including two ventures into the league stages of the UEFA Conference League which each earned more than £5m in revenue. They also welcomed Tony Bloom as an investor and partnered with the data-based recruitment firm, Jamestown Analytics. However, there have been regular managerial changes during that time, with five permanent head coaches and two caretakers in charge of the team.
Many fans were critical of McKinlay during his time as chief executive and he is now moving on to pastures new. He sits on the Scottish Football Association board and was appointed vice-president of the governing body earlier this year. He will continue in that role after he leaves Tynecastle. Hearts will appoint a new chief executive in McKinlay’s place.
In a statement issued by the Edinburgh club, chairman Calum Paterson said: “Andrew has served as CEO during a significant period in our history, which has seen considerable progress. On behalf of the board and everyone at Hearts, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution, commitment and service to the club. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.”
McKinlay said: “It has been an honour to serve as CEO of Hearts. I am proud of all that we have achieved during my time at the club and grateful to have worked alongside so many dedicated colleagues, players, supporters and partners. I wish everyone connected with Hearts every success in the future.”
The statement also confirmed that the process of identifying a new chief executive will begin at Tynecastle. It read: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Andrew McKinlay is leaving his position as Chief Executive at the end of this month. Following discussions between the board and Andrew, it has been mutually agreed that he will leave on 31 August. The club expects to commence the process of identifying a new CEO shortly. In the meantime, the chairman will work closely with our executive team to ensure that the club remains fully focused on delivering its priorities across all areas, on and off the pitch.”