Hibernian FC Appoints Dan Barnett As Chief Executive Officer

[JohnM1875]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/june/30/hibernian-fc-appoints-dan-barnett-as-chief-executive-officer/

"Hibernian FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Barnett as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Barnett will officially start at Easter Road Stadium on 1 August, 2025, joining from former English Premier League side Leicester City, where he spent six years as Commercial Director.


Prior to joining Leicester City, Barnett’s experience includes high-profile roles at UEFA in Switzerland, two America’s Cup cycles in San Francisco, California and Bermuda as Chief Commercial Officer, and Olympic experience in the USA as Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard in Park City, Utah - the Olympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA.


Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon said: “I am delighted to welcome Dan as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer. The process of appointing our new CEO has been long and thorough, to ensure we hired the right person to lead the business side of the Football Club. We wanted someone with real business acumen that could help propel this fantastic club forward, and Dan’s experience and expertise made him the outstanding candidate.


“Dan is an ambitious, forward-thinking leader with experience not only in football but sports organisations across the world. His commercial nous and track-record of implementing successful strategies will greatly benefit a number of areas at Hibernian FC. Alongside this, he will be a great cultural fit at Easter Road and HTC, and will drive standards to ensure we are constantly improving. I look forward to seeing how he takes our vision for the Club to the next level.”


“It is a tremendous honour to be joining Hibernian FC as Chief Executive Officer,” commented Barnett.


“This is a club steeped in a proud history, with an incredibly passionate fanbase, and with huge potential as we enter an exciting new era for the Football Club. From my first meeting with Ian Gordon, I have been excited about the vision for Hibernian FC and implementing a strategy to help us achieve our goals here.


“I am excited to start work in August, to work alongside my new colleagues, our supporters, and our partners, and to begin implementing our plan together as we strive to deliver a successful future for the Football Club.”


As Leicester City’s Commercial Director, Barnett implemented and led the Club’s global commercial strategy, repositioning the brand for a world-wide audience, and driving substantial year-on-year revenue growth through partnerships, sales, ticketing, hospitality and retail. Alongside his senior leadership role at Leicester City, Barnett was also a Board Member of Leicester City Women and worked with the English Football Association (FA) on the domestic and global broadcast rights strategy for the Women’s Super League.


Barnett’s commercial success at Leicester City mirrors similar positive impacts in all his previous roles, positioning him ideally now to lead Hibernian FC in what is an exciting time for the Club."

[Dashing Bob S]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/june/30/hibernian-fc-appoints-dan-barnett-as-chief-executive-officer/

"Hibernian FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Barnett as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Barnett will officially start at Easter Road Stadium on 1 August, 2025, joining from former English Premier League side Leicester City, where he spent six years as Commercial Director.


Prior to joining Leicester City, Barnett’s experience includes high-profile roles at UEFA in Switzerland, two America’s Cup cycles in San Francisco, California and Bermuda as Chief Commercial Officer, and Olympic experience in the USA as Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard in Park City, Utah - the Olympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA.


Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon said: “I am delighted to welcome Dan as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer. The process of appointing our new CEO has been long and thorough, to ensure we hired the right person to lead the business side of the Football Club. We wanted someone with real business acumen that could help propel this fantastic club forward, and Dan’s experience and expertise made him the outstanding candidate.


“Dan is an ambitious, forward-thinking leader with experience not only in football but sports organisations across the world. His commercial nous and track-record of implementing successful strategies will greatly benefit a number of areas at Hibernian FC. Alongside this, he will be a great cultural fit at Easter Road and HTC, and will drive standards to ensure we are constantly improving. I look forward to seeing how he takes our vision for the Club to the next level.”


“It is a tremendous honour to be joining Hibernian FC as Chief Executive Officer,” commented Barnett.


“This is a club steeped in a proud history, with an incredibly passionate fanbase, and with huge potential as we enter an exciting new era for the Football Club. From my first meeting with Ian Gordon, I have been excited about the vision for Hibernian FC and implementing a strategy to help us achieve our goals here.


“I am excited to start work in August, to work alongside my new colleagues, our supporters, and our partners, and to begin implementing our plan together as we strive to deliver a successful future for the Football Club.”


As Leicester City’s Commercial Director, Barnett implemented and led the Club’s global commercial strategy, repositioning the brand for a world-wide audience, and driving substantial year-on-year revenue growth through partnerships, sales, ticketing, hospitality and retail. Alongside his senior leadership role at Leicester City, Barnett was also a Board Member of Leicester City Women and worked with the English Football Association (FA) on the domestic and global broadcast rights strategy for the Women’s Super League.


Barnett’s commercial success at Leicester City mirrors similar positive impacts in all his previous roles, positioning him ideally now to lead Hibernian FC in what is an exciting time for the Club."

A hair raising move by the club. Welcome Dan.

[04Sauzee]

Hope he's hair to stay

[IanM]

Welcome, Dan! He looks like a CEO..

[JimBHibees]

Sounds an interesting appointment

[GloryGlory]

Hope he's hair to stay

Hope he's got the right formula.

[USA_Hibee]

Welcome Dan!

[Chip shop Joe]

Looks like a cracking CV👍

[gramskiwood]

Hibs seem to be serious about moving the club forward.

[WoreTheGreen]

Not sure about his assistant
Dan Druff

[NC1875]

Not sure about his assistant
Dan Druff

He was head and shoulders above the other candidates

[Billy Whizz]

My friend is a Leicester supporter, and he says Dan is top performer, and his team love working for him

[Iain G]

My friend is a Leicester supporter, and he says Dan is top performer, and his team love working for him

He is a high Barnet!

[scm70nyd1973]

Hope he's hair to stay

A cut above the rest

[Victor]

He’s no Anne Budge, but I am sure we will get by.

[leith lynx]

Hope he's hair to stay

Sounds like a good permanent appointment.

[leith lynx]

He is a high Barnet!

That's Shankland, no?

[grunt]

He was head and shoulders above the other candidates
:thumbsup:

[Prof. Shaggy]

I googled him.
Apparently he's Sydney's premier vocalist, trombonist, shellman, broadcaster and educator.

Don't try and tell him Australia's dull.

[IanM]

I googled him.
Apparently he's Sydney's premier vocalist, trombonist, shellman, broadcaster and educator.

Don't try and tell him Australia's dull.

😂😂😂😂

[Paulie Walnuts]

Welcome Dan. Sounds like a great appointment anyway, but one things for sure, he’s pretty much certain to be better than the last guy.

[Wembley67]

That's some CV. Another piece in the green and white jigsaw for a while I hope 👍

[WeAreHibs]

Very impressive CV. Well done to all responsible for bringing him on. More exciting times!

[Lago]

Looks like an excellent appointment, well done Hibs.

[HoboHarry]

It'll be a busy first couple of months for him, he'll barely have time to toupee....

[matty_f]

BKFC were heavily involved in this appointment and this is another example of the club listening to, and working with, BKFC.

[Gmack7]

BKFC were heavily involved in this appointment and this is another example of the club listening to, and working with, BKFC.

Good to hear, ideally they sort us a couple of quality loan players

[darwenhibby]

Down here people were saying he was going to Wigon

[Greenworld]

BKFC were heavily involved in this appointment and this is another example of the club listening to, and working with, BKFC.Yes Matty, thats some appointment a guy with his experience coming to Hibs is great

Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk

[Hibees1973]

Welcome Dan. Sounds like a great appointment anyway, but one things for sure, he’s pretty much certain to be better than the last guy.

Hopefully more professional and able to do his work with a fair bit more discretion.

[Since452]

BKFC were heavily involved in this appointment and this is another example of the club listening to, and working with, BKFC.

Excellent to hear.

[greenlex]

Assume he’s 100% business focused and nothing to do with the football side.

[Hibbyradge]

Excellent. Someone to irrationally hate.

This transfer window just gets better and better.

[Since452]

Excellent. Someone to irrationally hate.

This transfer window just gets better and better.

😂

[DanishJohn]

Sign another striker !
I'm desperate Dan

[Kato]

Sign another striker !
I'm desperate DanDan's a hunk going by Hibs WhatsApp photy.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[hibsforeurope]

Sounds a very impressive CV, will be interesting to see what the next level is for Hibs commercially.
Hospitality seems to be maximised, shirt sponsor/manufacturer are in long term contracts.
Exciting times ahead.

[tamig]

Sign another striker !
I'm desperate Dan

Yosser Hughes proceeds to head butt the grill in the confession booth 😄

[worcesterhibby]

Sort the shop out Dan… strips and merch for sale in Town and at the airport please !

[The Spaceman]

Sounds like an really ambitious appointment guided by The Black Knights. Happy with his CV - welcome Dan to Edinburgh’s biggest football club.

[SHODAN]

Welcome Dan. I HATE YOU

[hibsforeurope]

Sort the shop out Dan… strips and merch for sale in Town and at the airport please !

And in the club shop by the sounds of things :greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

It really does look like the club is moving in the right direction . From appointing David Gray , Malky Mackay , Owners that care about the club and now Dan Barnett who seems to have an impressive CV , just on Malky MacKay I know his appointment caused a few waves but I’ve been impressed by him and think he’s been a good appointment. Anyhow welcome aboard Dan .

[Gmack7]

Garvan Stewart in recruitment will be a key player over the next couple of months and hopefully beyond

[Liberal Hibby]

Chief Commercial Officer from a yo-yo club promoted to CEO of SPL side. Where have I heard that before...:wink:

[Hibiza]

Dan , on a serious note what plans on the price of Pies and Bovrils ?

[ancient hibee]

Assume he’s 100% business focused and nothing to do with the football side.

Think your assumption will be wrong. You can’t be CEO of anything and ignore the main part of the business which in our case is playing football. To grow commercial business you have to have a product that people want to be involved in. That means the football.It has to be good.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Leicester City's cheapest adult ST was almost exactly the same as a Hibs early bird one for bronze areas last season at £404 which cant be bad for the EPL ... so hopefully he doesn't see squeezing the fans until the pips squeak as part of his remit :greengrin

I notice they have decided to charge £25 for a physical ST preferring folk to use digital tickets on their phones .... I wonder if he had any input into that decision before he left.

Anyway .... welcome to Hibs Dan, I'll back you all the way .... until I don't :thumbsup:

[TrinityHFC]

Think your assumption will be wrong. You can’t be CEO of anything and ignore the main part of the business which in our case is playing football. To grow commercial business you have to have a product that people want to be involved in. That means the football.It has to be good.

Folk still going on about CEOs not being involved in football. As a CEO he will ultimately be responsible for every part of the day to day performance of the club. He will oversee everyone appointed on the football side.

[greenlex]

Think your assumption will be wrong. You can’t be CEO of anything and ignore the main part of the business which in our case is playing football. To grow commercial business you have to have a product that people want to be involved in. That means the football.It has to be good.

I’m not saying ignoring it but not involved in the day to day or structure. That should be the football people at the club. Yes have ultimate control of the purse strings but should have little input into exactly who we want to sign if indeed sign. Give the folks the tools to get on with the job. Just like any management job. Manage the tools, the resources, the people and the time.

[greenlex]

Folk still going on about CEOs not being involved in football. As a CEO he will ultimately be responsible for every part of the day to day performance of the club. He will oversee everyone appointed on the football side.

There’s a huge difference to overseeing everyone appointed and actively being involved in any appointment until dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

[TrinityHFC]

There’s a huge difference to overseeing everyone appointed and actively being involved in any appointment until dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

There’s not really. As CEO the buck stops with him. He has to be comfortable that everyone employed by the club is doing their job. I’m not saying he should scout players. BK didn’t either. He is responsible for all the processes around it though, albeit he delegates the day to day to the football staff.

A lot of people seem to think the CEO should be about the commercial side only. That’s not the case.

[Since452]

He needs to level the slope and upgrade the pissers behind the east stand. Plenty work to do.

[GloryGlory]

There’s not really. As CEO the buck stops with him. He has to be comfortable that everyone employed by the club is doing their job. I’m not saying he should scout players. BK didn’t either. He is responsible for all the processes around it though, albeit he delegates the day to day to the football staff.

A lot of people seem to think the CEO should be about the commercial side only. That’s not the case.

Quite! He has to make sure that all the departments are focussed on contributing the most they can to achieving the main strategic objective of the club - sustainable success on the pitch.

So that is making sure that all the structures and processes, as well as having capable staff to implement them, are in place and working effectively to achieve the strategic goals.

[Tambo]

This looks like an ambitious appointment with someone with a good CV,, another step forward in the BK era, good luck Dan!

[jacomo]

BKFC were heavily involved in this appointment and this is another example of the club listening to, and working with, BKFC.


I will instinctively turn against him then, the campaign starts now. :wink:

On a more serious note, it does show that Hibs see the CEO role as primarily about income generation and operations, alongside a more autonomous football dept.

Quite the contrast to how things operated under Petrie, but probably makes sense if the club is to grow. Leeann Dempster's role was too big in the end for one person to cover all those responsibilities.

[Hibbyradge]

Quite! He has to make sure that all the departments are focussed on contributing the most they can to achieving the main strategic objective of the club - sustainable success on the pitch.

So that is making sure that all the structures and processes, as well as having capable staff to implement them, are in place and working effectively to achieve the strategic goals.

Yes, at a very high strategic level and it will be extremely light touch on the football side.

Have we got the right structure, the correct number of people, the facilities we need. He won't be involved in any tactics or personnel selection apart from maybe the head coach and sporting director.

I think the biggest part of his job will be on the commercial and financial side but maybe Hibs will provide an interview with him in which he explains his role.

[bingo70]

Yes, at a very high strategic level and it will be extremely light touch on the football side.

Have we got the right structure, the correct number of people, the facilities we need. He won't be involved in any tactics or personnel selection apart from maybe the head coach and sporting director.

I think the biggest part of his job will be on the commercial and financial side but maybe Hibs will provide an interview with him in which he explains his role.

Will the CEO not have final say on player budgets?

[Cat Stanton]

Dan's a hunk going by Hibs WhatsApp photy.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

Looks a bit like a dating site pic. He probably looks horrendous in real life.

[HoboHarry]

Will the CEO not have final say on player budgets?
Yes he will with agreement from the owners. The notion that Hibs will buy players without him being involved heavily in maintaining budgets and keeping spending under control is a bit daft honestly. Like Trinity has said, he will delegate but he'll oversee and have a good understanding of every facet of how the club operates.

[Cat Stanton]

Yes he will with agreement from the owners. The notion that Hibs will buy players without him being involved heavily in maintaining budgets and keeping spending under control is a bit daft honestly. Like Trinity has said, he will delegate but he'll oversee and have a good understanding of every facet of how the club operates.

At the risk of hinting at something negative in an otherwise positive sounding story, I asked a Leicester City season ticket holder for their view. It was: "My concern would be that he's been commercial director for a team that's most likely going to be docked points for financial overspending next year...."

Don't shoot the messenger and I have absolutely zero knowledge of the machinations of Leicester City and who decides/controls what, so this may be irrelevant nonsense.

[jacomo]

At the risk of hinting at something negative in an otherwise positive sounding story, I asked a Leicester City season ticket holder for their view. It was: "My concern would be that he's been commercial director for a team that's most likely going to be docked points for financial overspending next year...."

Don't shoot the messenger and I have absolutely zero knowledge of the machinations of Leicester City and who decides/controls what, so this may be irrelevant nonsense.


Yes true, but I don't think the commercial side of this equation has been the problem. The issue lies with bad appointments and squad decisions on the football side.

[Billy Whizz]

At the risk of hinting at something negative in an otherwise positive sounding story, I asked a Leicester City season ticket holder for their view. It was: "My concern would be that he's been commercial director for a team that's most likely going to be docked points for financial overspending next year...."

Don't shoot the messenger and I have absolutely zero knowledge of the machinations of Leicester City and who decides/controls what, so this may be irrelevant nonsense.

I don’t think he was an actual board member at Leicester City. As I’ve said before Leicester are a mess of a club. The owner who tragically died, his son has been making big decisions, and is out of his depth
This has nothing to do with our new CEO

[Centre Hawf]

At the risk of hinting at something negative in an otherwise positive sounding story, I asked a Leicester City season ticket holder for their view. It was: "My concern would be that he's been commercial director for a team that's most likely going to be docked points for financial overspending next year...."

Don't shoot the messenger and I have absolutely zero knowledge of the machinations of Leicester City and who decides/controls what, so this may be irrelevant nonsense.

I think it may be irrelevant nonsense.

I get the point trying to be made but the club isn't being docked points for being tinpot it's for overspending on football budget. Something that doesn't seem to be in his remit while at Leicester. If my job is to generate money and i'm doing so then it's not my fault that another department is burning through it at a rate and causing issues.

[greenlex]

There’s not really. As CEO the buck stops with him. He has to be comfortable that everyone employed by the club is doing their job. I’m not saying he should scout players. BK didn’t either. He is responsible for all the processes around it though, albeit he delegates the day to day to the football staff.

A lot of people seem to think the CEO should be about the commercial side only. That’s not the case.

I’m not trying to be contrary for the sake of it but as a CEO your job is to get the business performing. Get the business growing. Have the right people in the right roles to manage their department's and all pulling in the same direction. Successful ones do that and let them get on with it. They don’t micro manage and interfere. I guess I’m wanting that kind of guy in the role. Focussed on that. Let the footballing side get on with footballing. Let the commercial side get on with it. If you need to change anything for underperformers in any role within the club then help them change to perform or replace. He seems to have been successful in previous roles so fingers crossed it transfers to his new role.

[tamig]

I think it may be irrelevant nonsense.

I get the point trying to be made but the club isn't being docked points for being tinpot it's for overspending on football budget. Something that doesn't seem to be in his remit while at Leicester. If my job is to generate money and i'm doing so then it's not my fault that another department is burning through it at a rate and causing issues.
Exactly. How can a commercial director be held accountable for an overspend on the footballing side?

[Billy Whizz]

Exactly. How can a commercial director be held accountable for an overspend on the footballing side?

He never gave Vardy a £140,000 wage per week