David Bruce named Sheffield Wednesday CEO as takeover finalised and EFL lifts points threat | OneFootball

David Bruce has been appointed Sheffield Wednesday’s CEO on a day that saw a takeover completed and the EFL remove the threat of a 15-point deduction next season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the former Sunderland chief business officer bade farewell during the Nottingham Forest match last month, his surprise exit coming under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

Bruce was at Hillsborough as American consortium Arise Capital Partners completed a takeover shortly before kick-off, with the new owners prioritising improved supporter relations that mirror his Wearside reputation.

On the pitch, Wednesday beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1, only their second Championship win of the campaign. Nathaniel Chalobah and captain Liam Palmer struck in quick succession before Karlan Grant replied late on.

The result left Wednesday on zero points, erasing an earlier 18-point deduction and sparing them the ignominy of finishing with a negative total. Relegation had already been confirmed, yet the mood was buoyant.

Bruce returned to Wearside in July 2023 and led the club’s business operation, contributing to off-field progress and Sunderland’s return to the Premier League. He secured major partnerships with Delaware North, Fanatics and hummel, and oversaw investment to bolster the commercial platform and matchday experience. He also helped shape the club’s Til the End ethos.

He departs with long-term projects well advanced, including upcoming hummel kits, the Legends Way development and a planned North America tour. He will remain through a defined transition, with Tom Burwell taking interim CEO duties as Sunderland begin recruiting a permanent successor.

Source: Sunderland Echo