ASHTON EXCITED BY CEO ROLE AT IPSWICH
MARK Ashton is relishing the opportunity to take Ipswich forward after his departure as Bristol City chief executive was announced.
Ashton spent more than five years working for the Robins, but will take on a similar position at Portman Road in June.
Ashton said: “I am delighted to be joining. There is a lot of hard work that lies ahead and I am genuinely excited at the opportunity to take the club forward.
“In the meantime, it is only right that I devote my attention to Bristol City for the remainder of the season so this is the only public comment that I will be making.”
Ashton has nearly 30 years experience in football following spells at Bristol City, Oxford, Watford and West Brom.
Ipswich chairman Mike O’Leary added: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Ashton to Portman Road. It is difficult to envisage anyone having better experience for a CEO job than Mark.
“He is a high energy, demanding, loyal, commercially savvy, well-connected and high integrity leader and we look forward very much to him making a major contribution to our journey here at Ipswich Town.”
City established themselves in the Championship and completed the new Robins High Performance Centre under Ashton’s tenure.
Ashton went on: “I thank the Lansdown family for their support over the last five years. It’s been an incredible role and a privilege to be the CEO of Bristol City.
“I want to give credit to the staff who have worked tirelessly here and who I will miss. The club is in excellent hands with such dedicated and passionate people.”
City owner Steve Lansdown added: “I’ve enjoyed working closely with Mark.”