Andrew Cullen appointed new CEO of Pompey

[Selsey Bill]

The Tornante Company, owners of Portsmouth Football Club, are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Cullen as CEO. The MK Dons Executive Director will take up the post at Fratton Park from Tuesday, June 1. He will take over from Mark Catlin, who is leaving for a role at The Topps Company, but will remain as a director of the club.

Pompey Chairman Michael Eisner said: “Andy has done a terrific job at MK Dons and his extensive experience in football, business and marketing will help us at Pompey in our relentless pursuit of success on and off the pitch.” “He has huge shoes to fill in Mark’s absence, but I know he can do it – especially with Mark’s help in the transition and beyond.” "Andy has done a terrific job at MK Dons and his extensive experience in football, business and marketing will help us."

Cullen said: “I feel extremely privileged and incredibly excited to be given the opportunity by Michael Eisner and the Portsmouth FC board to succeed Mark Catlin as the club’s new CEO. “The role comes with a massive responsibility to both the city of Portsmouth and to the football club.
“I do very much recognise the club’s rich heritage, strong traditions and, most critically, the dynamic connection with its passionate supporters and the local community, who all too recently came together, in remarkable fashion, to save their football club from going out of existence. “Mark and his excellent team of colleagues, along with the support of so many others, have from these foundations, delivered a sustainable and vibrant football club and importantly, one which remains very much in touch with its community. "Together, with Danny and Nicky Cowley, I will try to do my very best to develop the outstanding work already undertaken by so many ." I will work as hard as I can and contribute towards the delivery of an exciting future for everyone connected with Pompey.”

Catlin said: “I have known Andy professionally for a number of years and have always been impressed by his work ethic, integrity, experience and communication skills. “I believe he will be the perfect fit for the club, staff, our board and supporters. This is an exciting time for the club and I wish Andy well for his future with us.”

Cullen joined MK Dons in November 2008 – having previously spent more than 10 years at Norwich City – and has also served as both a League One and Championship club representative on the board of the EFL.

[Sam_Brown]

All sounds positive and he seems to have a good history. Great to see the owners are acting decisively and quickly to get us ready to tackle the coming season and I'm feeling optimistic for what the future holds.

[Pompey Penguin]

Not Cullen's fault, but it is a bit much when anyone associated with MKDons talks about a club's "rich heritage, strong traditions".

However, looks like a good appointment. I will see if we know anything.

[Dinksy]

One thing I have liked during the Tornante era is Catlin's regular You Tube updates. Let's hope that kind of transparency continues under Cullen.

[PakefieldBlue]

I'm encouraged to see that he's had some time at Norwich - they are a well run club with good ethics.

[Pompey1984+1]

Was he at MK Dons when the stadium was being built?

Just looked, he arrived after it was built.

[portchesterblue]

Not Cullen's fault, but it is a bit much when anyone associated with MKDons talks about a club's "rich heritage, strong traditions".

However, looks like a good appointment. I will see if we know anything.

Why is it a bit rich for him to say he recognises our heritage?

[Pompey Penguin]

Not Cullen's fault, but it is a bit much when anyone associated with MKDons talks about a club's "rich heritage, strong traditions".

However, looks like a good appointment. I will see if we know anything.

Why is it a bit rich for him to say he recognises our heritage?

I did say it wasn't really his fault, but he worked for a club that tried to destroy another's heritage and traditions. After the move, they then fought for years to prevent the phoenix Wimbledon claiming the records and trophies away from the franchise club. I accept that everyone has to work, and won't criticise those who need to make career choices, but it would be better to just keep quiet on the subject rather then resorting to the usual cliches. Then after a few months at Pompey he could talk about what he has learned about the club in specifics.