FA promotes marketer Mark Bullingham to CEO role
The Football Association (FA) has appointed Mark Bullingham as its new chief executive, looking to leverage his experience leading commercial and marketing teams at the governing body.
FA appoints marketer Mark Bullingham as CEO
Bullingham succeeds outgoing chief executive Martin Glenn who is stepping down at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Newly promoted Bullingham joined The FA in August 2016, first as commercial and marketing director but then taking on a broader remit as chief commercial and football development officer.
Having featured in The Drum's Digerati in 2018, he has been credited with "transforming the commercial landscape" of the FA, sealing record-breaking broadcast, sponsorship, licensing and hospitality deals. The FA said he has grown its income by 25% during his tenure, helped by sealing deals with Nike and Barclays.
Bullingham said: "This is an incredibly exciting time to be at The FA and I’m delighted to be given this opportunity. I’m hugely passionate about the role The FA plays in improving the English game and our positive contribution to society. Getting kids across the country active and learning life skills such as teamwork and communication is incredibly rewarding. I’m confident in the talent and determination of the workforce here and the direction we are heading together."
Greg Clarke, FA chairman, added: "Following a full and thorough recruitment process, it gives me huge pleasure and great confidence that the best candidate has come from within the organisation. Mark has played a key role in the recent success of The FA and under his leadership the organisation will continue to break new ground.
"I know Mark and his qualities well. He is undoubtedly the best person to lead The FA as we head into an exciting new era."
Bullingham is also an FA Level 1 qualified coach and has managed Under-9 girls’ and Under-11 boys’ teams for the last four years.