Sunderland appoint ex-Bolton CFO Niaz Shazad as finance director | OneFootball

Sunderland have appointed former Bolton Wanderers chief financial officer Niaz Shazad as the club’s new finance director.

Shazad brings more than a decade in senior sporting finance, serving as Bolton’s CFO from August 2024 to January 2026 and spending a year as interim co-chief executive.

Before Bolton, he worked at City Football Group as head of finance for Manchester City and Manchester City Women, and previously held a senior role at the Rugby Football Union. He describes his approach as balancing strong financial governance with commercial growth, strategic partnerships and international expansion.

He said he was energised to return to football, highlighting Sunderland’s proud history, Premier League return and a Europa League campaign, and added that his task is to ensure the club’s finances match its ambition. He thanked chief operating officer Tom Burwell and chief business officer Mike Papadimitriou.

“I’m just a guy who loves sport. A Newcastle fan, a test-cricket tragic, and recently a bit obsessed with Padel,” he said, speaking to The Football Week earlier this year.

His arrival continues Sunderland’s off-field build as the club adapts to the financial and commercial demands of Premier League and Europa League football. He will work alongside Burwell and Papadimitriou, who oversee operations and business respectively. Burwell joined earlier this year as chief operating officer.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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