Mike O’Leary, the chairman of Ipswich Town, has declared his retirement from athletics.
At the age of 72, he is quitting the club and will give his job to CEO Mark Ashton.
The latter will carry on in both the capacity that he presently holds and the role that O’Leary has.
“I have given this a great deal of careful thinking. After consulting with our largest shareholder, Ed Schwartz, I have informed him that, following three and a half years in this role, I would prefer to retire. When the club is in such fantastic shape, there is no better moment to do so, O’Leary stated on the club website.
“As I get closer to turning 72, I’m confident that this is the proper choice. About 200 miles from Portman Road is where my family resides in Worcestershire. It has been taxing to continue serving as Chairman, given the amount of travel required.
“When I became chairman in 2021, winning the Premier League was always my goal, but I never thought it would happen so soon.” I feel like I’ve completed my mission as I get ready to say goodbye.
“Mike is and will always be a long-time friend,” he continued. He played a key role in the club’s acquisition and has provided me with incredible support throughout the years, especially during the last three at Ipswich Town Football Club. He has my eternal gratitude for that.