Mark Sutcliffe to Join Hong Kong Football Association as CEO

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) has confirmed that Mark Sutcliffe has agreed to fill its vacant Chief Executive Officer position.

Mr Sutcliffe played an instrumental role in the ongoing development of Hong Kong football, firstly as the author of the SAR Government’s Football Development Strategy – Dare to Dream, and more recently as the official change agent appointed to assess the operations of the Hong Kong Football Association. His eventual recommendations were substantially adopted as ‘Project Phoenix’.

Mr Sutcliffe has a wealth of experience having had a 30-year career in sport and leisure management. For the last 14 years he has been the CEO of Strategic Leisure Limited, an international consultancy based in the UK.

As well as successfully managing and growing his own business he has advised clients around the world on literally hundreds of sports and leisure projects ranging from organizational transformation to the business planning and development of major sports facilities.

Mr Sutcliffe said, “The chance to be the CEO of the HKFA is a fantastic opportunity. In 2009 when working on Dare to Dream, I first saw the potential of football in Hong Kong. Since then there have been some very positive steps forward but I am sure everyone would agree, there is still a long way to go. I am under no illusions about how important this challenge is and I will devote myself 100% to raising the standard and profile of football in Hong Kong and to delivering that potential. My experience through the development of Project Phoenix has helped me build positive relationships with the Board of Directors, existing staff and other stakeholders. I am sure that collectively, we can become a winning team!”

Mr Sutcliffe will formally assume his duties on his return to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom in September 2012.

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