Winter named as Birch's replacement as Swans Chair

Julian Winter appointed quickly off the back of Birch's departure

Swansea City Football Club
Published 2nd Sep 2020
Last updated 24th Sep 2020

Swansea City have appointed Huddersfield Town Chief Executive Julian Winter as Trevor Birch's replacement as Club Chairman.

Birch's departure was announced yesterday after the Swans' 2-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in their friendly at the Liberty.

The 54 year-old will oversee the day-to-day matters of the club and will take up his position later this month.

A Swansea City ownership statement read:

"We are pleased to welcome Julian as the club's new chief executive.

"As part of the appointment process we received significant positive input from many constituencies within the club and those who have worked with him at his prior clubs.

"His extensive industry experience and collaborative leadership style will be a valued addition as we embark on this next chapter."

On his appointment, Winter added:

"I’m obviously delighted to have been selected as the new CEO at Swansea City.

"I look forward to getting started at the club on a day-to-day basis, meeting the staff across the club and helping lead Swansea City to a successful future on and off the field."

The club said Winter had built his reputation through a number of key executive roles in recent years and is held in high regard within the footballing industry.

Most recently, he spent four seasons as the Huddersfield Town chief executive. Appointed as a director at the John Smith’s Stadium in 2016, he played a key role in helping to guide the Terriers to Premier League promotion under former boss David Wagner.

Previously, Winter served for three years as Watford’s chief executive, where he built a strong working relationship with former Swans boss Brendan Rogers.

He has also held successful chief executive roles at Sheffield United and Notts County.