Former Leeds United Chief Executive Angus Kinnear has opened up on his decision to leave the club to join Premier League rivals Everton.
Angus Kinnear was one of the last high-profile remnants of the old regime at an executive level at Leeds, having joined the club in 2017, working closely with former owner Andrea Radrizzani.
The former West Ham and Arsenal executive oversaw two promotions to the Premier League with the Whites and provided a point of continuity through the 49ers Enterprises takeover.
However, with Paraag Marathe now acting as Leeds Chairman and Robbie Evans stepping into the role of Managing Director, Kinnear accepted an offer to take over as CEO of Everton, who are now owned by the Friedkin Group.
Kinnear has now opened up on his reasons for leaving Leeds to join the Toffees and explained why he has no regrets over the decision.
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Angus Kinnear explains decision to leave Leeds United
Speaking to the Toffees View podcast, Kinnear explained his decision to leave Elland Road at the end of last season.
According to Kinnear, he has no regrets over the decision, having helped Leeds return to the top flight, where he believes they belong.
Kinnear said: “I had a lot of friends at Leeds, I dedicated a lot of my life to them, I had some very happy memories of what we achieved on the pitch last season, it was a great season, we won the title with the last kick of the ball.
“So I was proud to leave them back where I think that club belongs. I think they’re a Premier League club, but it was a fantastic opportunity that was presented to me.
“I think the term sleeping giant is used too loosely, but I think when you look at the challenges that Everton have faced and overcome over the last four to five years.
“I thought the opportunity to give them a real solid foundation to build upon was one of the best projects in world football, and I don’t regret that decision at all.”
Former CEO was instrumental to transforming Leeds United
There can be few more thankless tasks in the world of sport than being the CEO of a football club, where the expectations of fans collide with the realities of running a multi-million pound organisation.
While it is easy to dismiss Kinnear’s legacy at Leeds by saying that he, Radrizzani and Victor Orta were guilty of allowing the club to waste the foundations laid by Bielsa, it is important to remember where the club was when he joined in 2017.
Leeds United’s finishes under Angus Kinnear:
- 2017/18: 13th – Championship
- 2018/19: 3rd & Play-Off Semi-Final Defeat – Championship
- 2019/20: 1st – Championship
- 2020/21: 9th – Premier League
- 2021/22: 17th – Premier League
- 2022/23: 19th – Premier League
- 2023/24: 3rd & Play-Off Final Defeat – Championship
- 2024/25: 1st – Championship
When Kinnear joined the club, Leeds were emerging from the long shadow of the Massimo Cellino regime, without a manager following the resignation of Garry Monk.
There were undoubtedly missteps along the way – the disastrous attempt to redesign the logo, the post-season tour to Myanmar, the free rein handed to Victor Orta over recruitment and the appointment of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce in Leeds’ relegation.
However, he found Leeds in mid-table in the Championship and left them in the Premier League. Although it is tempting to downplay his success in the role, the club is in a much better place today.
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