Sunderland director hails David Bruce as Tom Burwell named interim CEO | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC have confirmed David Bruce is to leave his role as Chief Business Officer this summer, with director Leo Pearlman paying tribute.

According to Sunderland Echo, non-executive director Tom Burwell, CEO of the Bia Sports Group that oversees the sporting businesses of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori, has been installed as interim chief executive, with a permanent appointment to follow this summer.

Pearlman, co-founder and managing partner at Fulwell 73 and a non-executive director since 2023, hailed Bruce for leaving Major League Soccer to return to Wearside in July 2023. He credited him with helping to reconnect club and city while noting that change is inevitable and necessary.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus thanked Bruce for his contribution and underlined his deep bond with Sunderland. The leadership structure is evolving in the Premier League, with Burwell providing continuity while a permanent chief executive is appointed.

Bruce reflected on a privilege to serve his boyhood club, pointing to growth in reach, a stronger commercial platform and an improved supporter experience. He leaves proud of the progress and remains a Sunderland supporter first, last and always.

His exit forms part of a broader off-field restructure after promotion to the Premier League. Mike Papadimitriou became Chief Financial Officer in September last year, and a new Chief Revenue Officer is being recruited after Ashley Peden’s January departure, with Scott McCubbin covering on an interim basis.

Source: Sunderland Echo