Wigan Athletic Football Club has confirmed that Sarah Guilfoyle has left her position as Managing Director by mutual consent, and has appointed Anthony Cole-Johnson as Chief Executive Officer subject to regulatory approvals.
Guilfoyle joined the club in 2016 as Academy Secretary and progressed through senior operational and football administration roles before her appointment as Managing Director. During her ten years at the Brick Community Stadium, she was instrumental in steering the club through financial uncertainty, ownership changes and rebuilding under the current ownership.
Guilfoyle's legacy
As Managing Director, Guilfoyle strengthened the club's governance and operational structures, championed supporter engagement and fan communications, and oversaw initiatives to improve the club's relationship with its community.
Brenda Spencer, on behalf of the Board, said: "On behalf of everyone connected with Wigan Athletic, the Board would like to thank Sarah for her loyalty, dedication and significant contribution over the past ten years. Her professionalism and commitment to the Club have been unwavering throughout her time at the Brick Community Stadium, and she leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone associated with Wigan Athletic."
Cole-Johnson's appointment
Cole-Johnson joins from senior commercial leadership roles at Southampton, Sky, Ospreys and BAFTA. Lucas Danson, on behalf of the Board, said: "The Club needs three things right now: sustainable revenue growth, a first team that matches our ambition, and a stronger connection with the town. Anthony was chosen because he can deliver all three, and the board is right behind him."
Youth success and future plans
Wigan Athletic's academy and women's team have achieved recent success. The under-18s were crowned Professional Development League North champions, the women's team won their league and reached two cup finals, and the under-21s were Central League Cup champions.
The club has invested in stadium improvements, data and commercial systems, and community programmes over three years. As part of managing costs in League One, where losses have nearly quadrupled across the division, the club is reviewing its wage structure.
