Ajax has announced that CEO Menno Geelen will leave the club on 1 April 2027. The club's management board are confident that a new managing director will be in place at the Johan Cruyff ArenA before that date.
Succession plan
Ajax's Supervisory Board will appoint an external agency to find Geelen's successor.
Geelen's Ajax career
Geelen, 44, joined Ajax in 2010 and served as commercial director. He became the club's commercial director in 2016 and was appointed CEO in May 2024.
Geelen said on the club website: "Working for Ajax has always been an honour. After more than sixteen years, it is time for me to take the next step."
He added: "I have learned a great deal here, and together we have achieved a great deal at Ajax over all those years."
The decision
Ajax said the decision followed discussions between Geelen and the Supervisory Board about his expiring contract and the club's future.
Geelen said: "There are so many wonderful memories, and of course there have also been less pleasant events. But for now, I think the most important thing is that this season brings success on the pitch and that the club can take further steps forward. In any case, I will continue to do everything I can over the coming months to contribute to that."
The Supervisory Board's view
Lesley Bamberger, the chairman, said: "Menno has done a great deal for the club. He helped steer the club through difficult periods when he was asked to take on the role of managing director. Throughout, he has remained loyal to Ajax."
Bamberger concluded on Ajax's website: "It is our task as the Supervisory Board to find a good successor who fits the club's continued development. We have agreed with Menno that he will work with us to ensure a careful handover, so that the new managing director can work alongside the other board members towards a sustainable and successful future for the club."
