Sunderland director pays emotional tribute after surprise David Bruce exit announcement | OneFootball

Sunderland confirmed David Bruce will leave his role as Chief Business Officer this summer, and named non-executive director Tom Burwell as interim chief executive. Burwell is CEO of Bia Sports Group, which manages Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori's sporting businesses.

Leo Pearlman, a Fulwell 73 co-founder and board member since 2023, praised Bruce's impact and said change is inevitable and necessary. He said Bruce left Major League Soccer in July 2023 to return to Wearside for purpose rather than profile, and helped realign club and city.

Louis-Dreyfus said Bruce made an important contribution and thanked him for his care, dedication and energy. He added a permanent chief executive will be appointed as the leadership structure evolves with Premier League growth, and that Burwell will ensure continuity.

Bruce said it was a privilege to serve his boyhood club and that every decision was driven by a desire to match what supporters and city deserve. He cited growth in reach, a stronger commercial platform and an improved fan experience, and said he leaves proud, grateful and confident the club can reach greater heights.

His exit is part of a wider restructure after promotion to the Premier League. Mike Papadimitriou became Chief Financial Officer in September last year, and in January the club set out plans to appoint a new Chief Revenue Officer after Ashley Peden left as Chief Commercial Officer, with Scott McCubbin of Bia Sports Group in the role on an interim basis.

Source: Sunderland Echo