Women in Football is searching for a new Chief Executive after existing CEO Jane Purdon announced her intention to step down from the role later this year.
As the organisation has grown in membership and reach under Jane’s leadership, her role too, has expanded. Jane now feels the time is right for Women in Football to appoint a new CEO who can devote more time to the position. However, Jane is not leaving the organisation entirely: she will become one of Women in Football’s Ambassadors after she steps down.
She said: “It has been a very hard decision to step down from one of the best jobs in football, alongside a brilliant team. But I have always been clear that I could not commit to more than the part-time hours I currently work, and ultimately the demands of the role have now grown to the point that they extend beyond this. But I’m delighted that I won’t be leaving entirely, and will have the opportunity to work as an Ambassador for Women in Football.”
Jane joined Women in Football in September 2018. Under her leadership the membership of Women in Football has boomed. Despite the Covid pandemic, Women in Football has rolled out new activities and resources using online platforms and secured valuable new revenue streams to enable expansion of its work.
She has also overseen the growth of the organisation’s landscape-changing #WhatIf campaign, which persuaded football clubs, governing bodies, media companies and many others to take actions that made a tangible positive impact on equality in the game.
Big achievements
“I am very proud of what we have all achieved over the past three years,” Jane added. “Women in Football has more than doubled our membership and trebled our income – all of which is reinvested into our work to drive gender equality in football. We have introduced a new corporate membership scheme and started to build partnerships in mainland Europe. I’m privileged to have worked with a fantastic team and with our wonderful partners.”
Women in Football Chair Ebru Köksal said: “During her three-year tenure as Women in Football’s first ever CEO, Jane has been absolutely instrumental in transforming WIF into a leading organisation dedicated to supporting, celebrating and championing women in the game with her dedication, passion, commitment and drive.
“As her friend and Chair of WIF, I am very proud of what she has achieved, and she is leaving the organisation in excellent shape to deliver further on its huge potential. I wish her all the best and have no doubt she will continue to be a great role model and champion of equality.”
Jane will formally step down as Chief Executive in November. Women in Football will begin the recruitment process for her successor imminently.
