Charlton Athletic have moved to fill one of their most important off-pitch positions, confirming the appointment of Ben Mansford as the club's new chief executive, according to the announcement reported by BBC Sport.

A well-travelled executive arrives at The Valley

Mansford brings a broad CV in football administration to SE7. He has previously served as chief executive at Leeds United, Barnsley and Blackpool, giving him experience at Championship level and across the English Football League. Most recently he was at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he held the roles of both CEO and sporting director at different points during his time there.

The position had been vacant since March 2025, when it was confirmed that predecessor Charlie Methven was leaving the club. The search, which chairman Gavin Carter indicated was deliberately unhurried, has now concluded with Mansford's arrival.

Carter sets out the ambition

"We've been very deliberate in taking the time to find the right person to lead the next stage of our development," Carter said in the club's announcement. "I'm delighted we've been able to attract someone of Ben's calibre."

The chairman also reflected on recent progress at the club, describing the last three years as a period of genuine growth both on and off the pitch. "We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved," he said. "With that progress, expectations have rightly grown."

Carter described Mansford as someone who "brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success and strong leadership qualities," framing the appointment as a deliberate step up in ambition rather than a routine hire.

What the appointment means on the pitch

Charlton are currently navigating a testing period in the Championship. Recent results, including a 3-1 defeat to Norwich and a poor showing at Watford, have seen the Addicks sit around the lower-mid table positions, and supporters will be hoping that a settled leadership structure off the pitch can provide stability and direction to the football operation.

A CEO with Mansford's background in the second tier will understand the pressures and financial constraints that define Championship clubs. His experience at Barnsley and Blackpool in particular means he is unlikely to be unfamiliar with clubs managing tight wage structures while competing for results week to week.

Whether Mansford will have a direct influence on footballing decisions, or operate at arm's length from the manager and squad, has not been confirmed in the announcement. His dual role at Maccabi Tel Aviv, however, suggests a willingness to engage closely with sporting matters when the situation calls for it.

Building for the next chapter

Charlton's ownership and board have spoken consistently about a long-term project at The Valley, and this appointment appears consistent with that messaging. Recruiting an experienced executive from outside the club signals an intention to professionalise the operation rather than rely on internal promotions or short-term fixes.

For supporters who have grown accustomed to uncertainty at boardroom level in previous eras at the club, the arrival of someone with Mansford's record will be broadly welcomed, even if the proof will inevitably lie in the decisions and direction that follow. The Championship is an unforgiving environment, and a CEO who has operated at this level before will at least arrive with clear eyes about what the job demands.

Frequently asked

Who is Ben Mansford, Charlton's new CEO?
Ben Mansford is a football executive with previous chief executive roles at Leeds United, Barnsley and Blackpool in England, as well as time at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv where he also served as sporting director.
Why did Charlton need a new chief executive?
The role became vacant in March 2025 when the club confirmed that former CEO Charlie Methven was leaving. Charlton's chairman said the club took its time to identify the right candidate before appointing Mansford.
What will Ben Mansford's role be at Charlton Athletic?
Mansford has been appointed as chief executive of Charlton Athletic. The club has described him as someone who will lead the next stage of their development, though the precise scope of his involvement in footballing decisions has not been detailed.