New appointment to start work at the Club in February
- Huddersfield Town appoints new Commercial Director
- Ian Birtley to start work at Town in February 2021
- Birtley has over 10 years’ experience in the Championship
Huddersfield Town has appointed Ian Birtley to the role of Commercial Director.
Birtley has previously worked at Derby County for nearly nine years, during which time he successfully negotiated multiple partnership agreements – including two principle shirt sponsors in Avon Tyres and Kindred Group.
Subsequently Ian spent 14 months as Head of Partnerships at Leeds United, adding to his all-round experience in the fields of hospitality, advertising and sponsorship.
As Town’s Commercial Director, Ian will take the strategic lead on the Club’s business-to-business relationships, managing the commercial team and driving forward our commercial offering to firms and supporters.
He will also join the Club’s Senior Management Team, which reports into the Board of Directors.
Ian told htafc.com:
“I am delighted to be joining Huddersfield Town as Commercial Director.
“Following the discussions with Chief Executive Mark Devlin, it was quickly established that our strategies aligned on how we can look to continue to develop and improve the Club commercially.
“Our aim is to make Huddersfield Town a sustainable football club and to do that we need to continue to maintain our partnerships with business locally, regionally and nationally and look at how we can increase our revenues across all areas of the Club.
“I believe that experience I’ve gained in my roles within the Championship will be of huge benefit as we emerge stronger from lockdown and into a period of development.
“Even in the current climate, I’m a firm believer that football can provide a strong platform to brands to further build their values, awareness and CSR strategies and will look to drive strong value to all of our partners via their association with Huddersfield Town.
“I’m looking forward to working with all internal stakeholders at the Club; I can’t wait to get going!”
Huddersfield Town’s Chief Executive Mark Devlin added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ian to the Club as our new Commercial Director.
“The commercial operation has a key role in the sustainability of the Club moving forward. Obviously the climate is a difficult one currently as every business battles the effects of the pandemic, but it was clear from meeting Ian that he believes this is a challenge that can be overcome – and one that football clubs can help other businesses overcome.
“I look forward to working with Ian as he drives our commercial strategy and results forward.”
