Villa search for new chief executive

Aston Villa are searching for a new chief executive after announcing this morning that deputy chief executive Mark Ansell has left the club by mutual consent.

A statement to the Stock Exchange revealed that Ansell, who was also the club’s financial director and number two to chairman and chief executive Doug Ellis, had departed.

Ellis plans to give up his role as chief executive in the New Year when the new chief executive is appointed.

The statement read: “Today, by mutual consent, Mark Ansell left Aston Villa plc.

“Aston Villa plc has instructed a leading national firm of head hunters to appoint a chief executive replacement for Mark who Aston Villa thank for all his efforts during his six years with the company and wish him all the success he richly deserves in the future.

“Doug Ellis, chairman, will relinquish his role as chief executive in the New Year when the new chief executive takes up his post.”