Sunderland director’s tribute follows David Bruce exit announcement and interim CEO move | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed Chief Business Officer David Bruce will leave the club this summer, following Monday’s announcement, prompting an emotional tribute from director Leo Pearlman.

Pearlman wrote on LinkedIn that change is inevitable and necessary. He praised Bruce for returning from Major League Soccer in July 2023 to take on a purpose-driven challenge on Wearside, and for helping reconnect the club and city.

Sunderland have appointed non-executive director Tom Burwell as interim CEO ahead of a permanent appointment this summer. Burwell is CEO of the Bia Sports Group, which manages the sporting businesses of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori.

Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner of production company Fulwell 73, has served on the board since 2023 as a non-executive director. He said the club is a better place because of Bruce’s work.

Bruce’s exit forms part of a wider restructure following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League. Mike Papadimitriou became Chief Financial Officer in September last year, and in January plans were set to appoint a new Chief Revenue Officer after Ashley Peden left as Chief Commercial Officer. Scott McCubbin of Bia Sports Group has been covering that role on an interim basis.

Source: Sunderland Echo