Chief Exec

[Stuart93]

What’s happening with this appointment?

All went quiet on that front

[Peevemor]

What’s happening with this appointment?

All went quiet on that frontAs long as they're taking the time to ensure that we have the right people in place I'm not too worried about the lack of an announcement.

[Stuart93]

As long as they're taking the time to ensure that we have the right people in place I'm not too worried about the lack of an announcement.

I thought Ron had mentioned a rough time to expect an announcement on it though?

[Lago]

Maybe no one wants the job 😅

[CapitalGreen]

Interim CEO is doing a good job imo

[Since90+2]

Interim CEO is doing a good job imo

The impact of a CEO isn't typically seen until 18-24 months down the road. It's not the kind of position like a Head Coach that indicates effectiveness fairly quickly.

IMO we need an experienced CEO to take the club forward.

[SHODAN]

Going to unveil the new Chief Exec with the kit launch.

[PatHead]

Going to unveil the new Chief Exec with the kit launch.

And new signings

[Since452]

It's a position we need to take our time over and if the right candidate isn't available right now then we wait.

[Forza Fred]

I thought Ron had mentioned a rough time to expect an announcement on it though?

End of May

[bingo70]

Did I read on here last night that Ron Gordon’s son has been heavily involved in the deal to bring Chris Mueller and that’s just the start of him becoming more active at the club?

Sure I read a post that he is going to be moving to Edinburgh shortly and it’s likely he’ll be taking over as our new Chief Executive. I can’t find that post now though and was wanting to look again to see who posted it (to see if they’re a reliable poster or a slaver 😂)

Did I dream this or if not has anybody else heard this rumour?

Wouldn’t really bother me either way, if anything he’s made a hell of a promising start with the signing of Mueller.

[Peevemor]

Did I read on here last night that Ron Gordon’s son has been heavily involved in the deal to bring Chris Mueller and that’s just the start of him becoming more active at the club?

Sure I read a post that he is going to be moving to Edinburgh shortly and it’s likely he’ll be taking over as our new Chief Executive. I can’t find that post now though and was wanting to look again to see who posted it (to see if they’re a reliable poster or a slaver 😂)

Did I dream this or if not has anybody else heard this rumour?

Wouldn’t really bother me either way, if anything he’s made a hell of a promising start with the signing of Mueller.

I read in the EEN that Ian, Ron's son, was involved in the negotiations with Orlando - there was no more info than that though.

Greencore then posted that there was talk of him moving to Edinburgh

https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?351559-Summer-2021-22-transfer-thread&p=6627040&viewfull=1#post6627040

[bingo70]

I read in the EEN that Ian, Ron's son, was involved in the negotiations with Orlando - there was no more info than that though.

Greencore then posted that there was talk of him moving to Edinburgh

https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?351559-Summer-2021-22-transfer-thread&p=6627040&viewfull=1#post6627040

Thanks.

Anyone know if Greencore is a good guy or a slaver? 😂

Only joking Greencore, any chance of expanding on that post though? Definitely happening? Third hand information? Anything more you can tell us?

[tamig]

And new signings

And the new sponsor going on the erse of the shorts.

[GreenCastle]

I read in the EEN that Ian, Ron's son, was involved in the negotiations with Orlando - there was no more info than that though.

Greencore then posted that there was talk of him moving to Edinburgh

https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?351559-Summer-2021-22-transfer-thread&p=6627040&viewfull=1#post6627040

Ron loves Edinburgh and now has a place here. So wouldn’t be surprised if his brother is coming across to help out.

I think with the American links we will definitely be looking at a variety of markets on players - hopefully see more moves like Mueller who use Hibs to further their career and put in the European shop window.

[Greencore]

Thanks.

Anyone know if Greencore is a good guy or a slaver? 😂

Only joking Greencore, any chance of expanding on that post though? Definitely happening? Third hand information? Anything more you can tell us?

😂 Defintley happening, Ian has made the move to Edinburgh with his wife, I follow him on Instagram. I would suspect if he was involved in the Chris Mueller transfer and he's moving to Edinburgh there is a big possibility he will take over as Chief Exec...

[neil7908]

😂 Defintley happening, Ian has made the move to Edinburgh with his wife, I follow him on Instagram. I would suspect if he was involved in the Chris Mueller transfer and he's moving to Edinburgh there is a big possibility he will take over as Chief Exec...

Interesting. Trying to decide how I feel about that. I am a big fan of Ron and I understand he'll want someone he trusts running things but I can't see his son being a person to have a hard conversation about budgets, personnel etc if required.

[ancient hibee]

Interesting. Trying to decide how I feel about that. I am a big fan of Ron and I understand he'll want someone he trusts running things but I can't see his son being a person to have a hard conversation about budgets, personnel etc if required.
Do you know him?

[neil7908]

Do you know him?

No but I don't think it's a crazy thought that someone parachuted into a job because his dad runs the business is going to struggle to stay independent.

[Forza Fred]

I’ve changed my original position…due mainly to length of time to make the appointment and now will be surprised if anyone other than Ron’s son is installed in the position.

[Billy Whizz]

It’s not so much he’s Ron’s son, it’s his his skill set to be Hibs CEO

[bingo70]

It’s not so much he’s Ron’s son, it’s his his skill set to be Hibs CEO

My perception of how it would work in reality is that Ron would effectively be our CEO but his son would have the title and do a lot of the day to day stuff.

Major decisions would still be made by Ron.

[SMAXXA]

Interesting. Trying to decide how I feel about that. I am a big fan of Ron and I understand he'll want someone he trusts running things but I can't see his son being a person to have a hard conversation about budgets, personnel etc if required.

Pretty wild assumption to make when you don’t know anything about him

[.Sean.]

😂 Defintley happening, Ian has made the move to Edinburgh with his wife, I follow him on Instagram. I would suspect if he was involved in the Chris Mueller transfer and he's moving to Edinburgh there is a big possibility he will take over as Chief Exec...
What’s his Instagram username?

[ancient hibee]

I
No but I don't think it's a crazy thought that someone parachuted into a job because his dad runs the business is going to struggle to stay independent.

Surely in any business it’s paramount that the CEO and the Chairman are on the same track.

[Eyrie]

It’s not so much he’s Ron’s son, it’s his his skill set to be Hibs CEO

We've not seen anything so far to suggest that Gordon bought Hibs to be a play thing rather than a serious investment, so if the son gets the job then he must be up to it.

#inRonwetrust.

[neil7908]

Pretty wild assumption to make when you don’t know anything about him

It's a wild assumption that a son appointed to role by his dad, who has no experience working in football and would be nowhere near the job without family connections, might have conflicted loyalties?

As I rule I'm not a fan of anyone being parachuted into a job they don't have experience for because their dad owns the company.

Again, I really like Ron, I have no agenda against him and think he's been great for the club but it leaves me feeling slightly uneasy. Time will tell.

[neil7908]

I

Surely in any business it’s paramount that the CEO and the Chairman are on the same track.

Absolutely. But mixing family and business is a different game entirely.

Surely in any business its paramount the Chief Exec is hired because of past experience, high performance is similar roles etc.

[Andy74]

Absolutely. But mixing family and business is a different game entirely.

Surely in any business its paramount the Chief Exec is hired because of past experience, high performance is similar roles etc.

We are a pretty small company in the scheme of things. Family member day to day running companies owned by them is not unusual.

No idea if it will be him but he’s already helped deliver a strategic partnership with a club and the signing of an international striker so he seems to have some skills.

[Peevemor]

I think the chief executive position at Hibs is less important now than before.

Leeann appeared to have been given a pretty free rein to turn the club on it's head, making us more dynamic after a long spell under RP & co.

However, she seemed to be less present once RG took over. I don't think there was friction but RG took over as the driving force and Leeann obviously felt that her work at Hibs was done.

So it looks to me that any CEO coming in will be there to impliment Ron's plans more than his/her own.

[SHODAN]

Ian Gordon is 29. Unless it's a much reduced role I doubt he'll be our new Chief Exec.

[ancient hibee]

Ian Gordon is 29. Unless it's a much reduced role I doubt he'll be our new Chief Exec.

A bit ageist:greengrin. Tom Farmer had made his first million and sold his business by that age.

[CapitalGreen]

Ian Gordon is 29. Unless it's a much reduced role I doubt he'll be our new Chief Exec.

Not sure if he will be our new CEO but I imagine it will be a much reduced role regardless of who takes it. Compared to our previous owner, RG is much more involved in running the club including setting strategy tans budgets.

[The Spaceman]

I would be hugely keen for Ron to involve his family be it a CEO or any other executive role. It will help ensure succession and long-term success for Hibs if his son even has half the interest Ron has in the club (and given he apparently helped negotiate the Mueller deal, he probably very much is interested).

[Greencore]

What’s his Instagram username?

Ilgordon25

[bingo70]

Ilgordon25

See it’s a private account but he’s tagged himself as being @Hibernian as if he’s an employee or something.

I’m not sure if that’s how it works but that’s what it looks like to me.

[7Hero]

😂 Defintley happening, Ian has made the move to Edinburgh with his wife, I follow him on Instagram. I would suspect if he was involved in the Chris Mueller transfer and he's moving to Edinburgh there is a big possibility he will take over as Chief Exec...

What's his insta name?

[bingo70]

What's his insta name?

Ilgordon25

[malcolm]

It is worth pointing out that Ron is an executive chairman rather than being limited to the more strategy, governance and oversight role of a non executive chairman. This means that a day to day role for a CEO will involve more implementing decisions than making them than would otherwise be the case. As has been pointed out this then is a diminished role compared to before and that it may be kept within the major ownership is not too surprising.

I know nothing about the son but not sure how in this case being relatively young and the son of the owner infers a limited ability and competence or that it could be conflicted. If we end up with HSL board representation then there’d be increased scrutiny of what I fully expect to be an appropriately well run business/club.

In terms of continuity, a role for Ron’s son might bode well for the longer term stewardship of the club as such involvement might put back the inevitable concerns around the eventual disposal of the major ownership.

[bingo70]

https://twitter.com/record_sport/status/1419648264891154432?s=21

Ben Kensall being appointed. Most recently worked with Norwich.

[Vault Boy]

https://twitter.com/record_sport/status/1419648264891154432?s=21

Ben Kensall being appointed. Most recently worked with Norwich.

I'm excited by that overall.

Slightly tempered by the recent BK8 sponsorship fumble, which was a significant mistake, but his record with Norwich in the years prior was superb.

He definitely made a mistake with away ticket allocation via a membership scheme too, it went down really poorly with fans, but those are the only significant blunders in 7 years of work that I can recall, so not bad going really. Worth mentioning that in both cases, the decision was overturned pretty quickly.

Generally, he was very highly thought of down here and was instrumental in the significant upsurge that Norwich have seen these last few years.

[bingo70]

I'm excited by that overall.

Slightly tempered by the recent BK8 sponsorship fumble, which was a significant mistake, but his record with Norwich in the years prior was superb.

He definitely made a mistake with away ticket allocation via a membership scheme too, it went down really poorly with fans, but those are the only significant blunders in 7 years of work that I can recall, so not bad going really.

Generally, he was very highly thought of down here and was instrumental in the significant upsurge that Norwich have seen these last few years.

What was the BK8 sponsorship fumble all about?

I don’t know anything about Norwich really but my perception is they’re a well run club.

[Billy Whizz]

I'm excited by that overall.

Slightly tempered by the recent BK8 sponsorship fumble, which was a significant mistake, but his record with Norwich in the years prior was superb.

He definitely made a mistake with away ticket allocation via a membership scheme too, it went down really poorly with fans, but those are the only significant blunders in 7 years of work that I can recall, so not bad going really. Worth mentioning that in both cases, the decision was overturned pretty quickly.

Generally, he was very highly thought of down here and was instrumental in the significant upsurge that Norwich have seen these last few years.

It will good to have someone at the helm with football experience though

[Vault Boy]

What was the BK8 sponsorship fumble all about?

I don’t know anything about Norwich really but my perception is they’re a well run club.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/10/norwich-axe-bk8-sponsorship-deal-over-sexualised-marketing

This article explains it better than I'd ever be able to, but in short, they took a sponsorship from a dodgy Asian gambling company that represented the absolute opposite of the club's family orientated ethos. Fans absolutely hated it, Norwich had to renege on the deal, and it's had a slight knock on effect on their budget planning as the deal was a significant one.

I'd agree with your perception though. It's a really well run club, and I'm inclined to focus on that side of his work rather than the couple of misfires, just thought they were worth mentioning for balance. Norwich is one of the best run teams in the country IMO, Ben played a huge part in that.

[Vault Boy]

It will good to have someone at the helm with football experience though

Agreed, honestly if the BK8 thing wasn't so recent, Norwich fans would be completely gutted about losing Ben. He'll be a good addition to our club.

[Alex Trager]

What was the BK8 sponsorship fumble all about?

I don’t know anything about Norwich really but my perception is they’re a well run club.

Seems to be a positive appointment.

Good to learn about the couple of mistakes he made, be interesting to see what he changed about the ticketing mess

[BegbieHSC]

Interesting reading from Norwich fans. Seem to think he left over a sponsorship **** up.

https://forum.pinkun.com/index.php?/topic/142736-ben-kensell/

[04Sauzee]

Interesting reading from Norwich fans. Seem to think he left over a sponsorship **** up.

https://forum.pinkun.com/index.php?/topic/142736-ben-kensell/

Also reading that it looks like he was already going in May so had nothing to do with the Sponsorship. In saying that I know nothing about Norwich City.

[Vault Boy]

Also reading that it looks like he was already going in May so had nothing to do with the Sponsorship. In saying that I know nothing about Norwich City.

I think that's right. Some folk put 2 & 2 together after the BK8 stuff, but I believe there were articles about his planned departure prior to the sponsorship being announced.

[hibby6270]

https://twitter.com/record_sport/status/1419648264891154432?s=21

Ben Kensall being appointed. Most recently worked with Norwich.

“Where are you? Where are you? Let’s be havin’ you!! C’mon!!” :greengrin

[Stuart93]

Happy with this, no knowledge of the new guy coming in but the rumours of it potentially being RG’s son made me feel a bit uneasy

[GloryGlory]

https://twitter.com/Grantholt31

Sounds like we've got a good 'un here.

[Billy Whizz]

https://twitter.com/Grantholt31

Sounds like we've got a good 'un here.

Great endorsement from Grant

[greenginger]

https://twitter.com/Grantholt31

Sounds like we've got a good 'un here.

As long as we don't start singing the Norwich Family ditty instead of Sunshine on Leith !

[Greencore]

I wonder why Ron's son is moving to Edinburgh then?

[BegbieHSC]

I wonder why Ron's son is moving to Edinburgh then?

Expect he’ll have some involvement at a board level.

[neil7908]

Happy with this

[bingo70]

I wonder why Ron's son is moving to Edinburgh then?

Cos it’s ****ing class.

[MyJo]

This sounds promising

https://forum.pinkun.com/index.php?/topic/143141-ben-kensell-set-to-be-hibs-ceo/

Third post from the Fan association

[Since452]

This sounds promising

https://forum.pinkun.com/index.php?/topic/143141-ben-kensell-set-to-be-hibs-ceo/

Third post from the Fan association

Interesting

[Billy Whizz]

Interesting

Fan engagement, yes please

[H18 SFR]

Interesting that he was instrumental in setting up the fan social club. I wonder if we can do something meaningful with Behind the Goals?

[worcesterhibby]

Looks like an absolutely fantastic appointment. He seems to be the kind of guy that was more likely to go on a bigger English club, based on his track record. In some ways I love the fact that his big mistake was signing up a £5million sponsorship deal. (yes some of the images of young women in tight tops that the company uses are not really compatible with a family club) Our big problem in the past is a lack of sponsors and commercial success, so this guy sounds like he will have learned from mistakes and will bring much needed revenue in to ER.

All the other feedback seems very very positive, including his ability to communicate with Grass roots fans.

[erin go bragh]

Interesting that he was instrumental in setting up the fan social club. I wonder if we can do something meaningful with Behind the Goals?

We at the social club, want to wish our great friend, Ben Kensell all the very best as he starts a new challenge at Hibernian. @HibernianFC have made an absolutely cracking appointment! Good luck Ben 💚

[BoomtownHibees]

Ben Kensell now announced

Decent appointment on the face of it

[Alex Trager]

Confirmed by the club

[calumhibee1]

Sounds a good appointment from the EEN article about who he is.

Sounds very much like he’s similar to Ron Gordon and he’ll be looking to increase our revenue streams as a matter of utmost importance.

[Brightside]

That tan is a bit special.

[Since452]

Absolutely outstanding tan on him.

[Col2]

I have to say I really love how professional the club is run.

We have a fantastic set up, manager consistency, new quality CEO and our recruitment centers around young, hungry talent. We won’t sell players unless we get really decent money and it’s right for the player (Doig / Mathie interview)

The new CEO has a strong commercial track record and that is key difference with LD I would suspect.

We are in a really good place just now.

[FilipinoHibs]

Welcome to the modern world.

[Vault Boy]

Welcome, Ben. Must say, I'm very excited about the future of our wonderful club.

[SonOfDavidFrancey]

Very happy to see the ambition evident here. Big shoes to follow. Norwich friends rate him. Apart from embarrassment about porno bookie sponsor issue, they reckon he is very good.

[hibby rae]

That tan is a bit special.

I think they got Porto to give him a tour of the city and he took him to the salon

[Winston Ingram]

Chris Sutton & Jake Humphrey seem to rate him

https://twitter.com/chris_sutton73/status/1419981621395087361?s=21

[goosefat]

That tan is a bit special.

Tango Man II

[Carheenlea]

Fan engagement already improved with some early content from behind the scenes of the euro trip with a promise for plenty more to come from the trip

https://twitter.com/hibernianfc/status/1420265898447941632?s=21

[allezsauzee]

That tan is a bit special.

Maybe he's just done his due diligence on Edinburgh's climate and thought that he better top up on vitamin D while he can.

[JXM73]

As long as we don't start singing the Norwich Family ditty instead of Sunshine on Leith !

What...

I cant read or write
But that dont really matter
I come from Norwich
And i drive a tractor
Oooaar oaaar

[jacomo]

Maybe he's just done his due diligence on Edinburgh's climate and thought that he better top up on vitamin D while he can.


I’m not entirely convinced it’s real…

Never mind that though, welcome Ben.

[dp00]

Good interview here

https://youtu.be/H6gXqXIihns


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CMac1988]

"shouldn't be the exception, should be the norm".

That's all I needed.

[AliboyFC]

I’m not entirely convinced it’s real…

Never mind that though, welcome Ben.

Looks like a Mexican drug lord :greengrin

[Green Reaper]

Looks like a Mexican drug lord :greengrin

Seems like a nice chap(po) though😂


Apologies for that, coat on and yes ,I know he’s not Mexican 😁

[Since452]

Doesn't look 40 yet although can't find his age anywhere. Young in CEO terms. Listening to Ben and Ron's interviews and the positive feedback from Norwich, I'm very pleased and excited for the future.

[AliboyFC]

Seems like a nice chap(po) though😂


Apologies for that, coat on and yes ,I know he’s not Mexican 😁

😂

[Peevemor]

Good interview here

https://youtu.be/H6gXqXIihns


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThere's an interview with Ron too.

https://youtu.be/_NwGoqv44UQ

[DarlingtonHibee]

There's an interview with Ron too.

https://youtu.be/_NwGoqv44UQ

All very positive 👍

[jacomo]

There's an interview with Ron too.

https://youtu.be/_NwGoqv44UQ


He is the real deal and no mistake.

[neil7908]

I'll only be happy if we sign Alan Partridge for Hibs TV. If he can't do that he can GTF

[uwxm07]

Good News - Norwich have been my English team since the early seventies … clearly I’ve never been a glory hunter !

[leith lynx]

I'll only be happy if we sign Alan Partridge for Hibs TV. If he can't do that he can GTF
If Partridge doesn't get the gig, they can smell my cheese.......