The Barnsley Football Club Limited (Club) today announced a reconstitution of the Club’s board of directors, following changes in ownership at its parent company, BFC Investment Company Limited (BFC).
At the time of purchase of the Club from the Cryne family in 2017, the majority of Pacific Media Group’s (PMG) shares in BFC were owned by several individual private investors (Investors), who had agreed to the appointment of PMG as their temporary nominee. Upon the expiration of this nominee arrangement, the Investors directly registered their ownership interest in BFC. As a result, the Investors and other existing BFC shareholders, have reconstituted the Club’s board as follows:
- Paul Conway, Chien Lee, Dickson Lee and Grace Hung have left the Club’s board with immediate effect
- Jean Cryne has agreed to serve as a director of the Club
- Julie Anne Quay has agreed to serve as a director of the Club as a representative of the Investors
These changes mean that the Club’s board now comprises:
Neerav Parekh, James Cryne, Jean Cryne (pending EFL approval), Julie Anne Quay (pending EFL approval), Khaled El-Ahmad (Chief Executive Officer) and Robert Zuk (Finance and Operations Director).
Commenting on the rearrangement, Neerav Parekh said: “Barnsley Football Club is an anchor institution of this town and we, as custodians, are aware how much this Club means to the people of Barnsley. Last season was a low point for the Club results wise, and we pledge to put results on the pitch as the primary driver for everything we do at the Club.
“Moving forward, we want to work closely with all our partners, in particular our fans and Barnsley Council, to ensure that the Club continues to be an institution that we’re all proud to support. It takes a long time to rebuild broken relationships, but it is our responsibility to do so, step by step. Spectemur Agendo.”
Owner and newly appointed Club director, Jean Cryne, commented: “As a collective, we will bring leadership to help the Club reach its potential, providing a clear and transparent purpose.
“James and I love this Football Club and we will continue Patrick’s legacy in building a true community club. We are proud Barnsley fans and truly understand the emotion and connections associated with being a Red.”
Julie Anne Quay, founder and CEO of New York-based VFILES Foundation, added: “All board members are looking forward to both the short- and long-term future of Barnsley FC. There is work to be done and relationships to be re-established with key stakeholders.
“We are very aware of the challenges that we face. Together, with the Club employees, our supporters, the Barnsley community and the players, we will overcome them. Let’s play to win. Come on, you Reds.”
The board of directors at the Club would like to thank all partners, supporters and wider stakeholders for their ongoing support.
