The executive position of CSO in new for Ajax. The board and the Supervisory Board have evaluated the top structure. The goal of this modification of the board structure is long term stabilization of Ajax as a top sports organization. The responsibilities of the CSO contain: Sportpark de Toekomst, project De Nieuwe Toekomst, the youth academy, women’s football, and providing all the supporting specialist departments for football selections. The composition, the performance and the developments of Ajax 1 and Jong Ajax, including the corresponding transfers, will remain the responsibility of the director of football affairs. This position is currently looked after by the technical management professional football, Gerry Hamstra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, and they keep reporting to chairman of the board Edwin van der Sar.
Hendriks (Amsterdam, 1 January 1961) was active as technical director of NOC*NSF for over thirteen years. During this time the Netherlands developed the ambition to be part of the best sports countries in the world. Hendriks realized this ambition by strengthening the Dutch top sports climate and forming TeamNL. Formerly he was successful as a hockey coach for the Dutch men (Olympic Champion, Sydney 2000) and Spain (European Champion, 2005). Hendriks was active as chef de mission of the Netherland at three consecutive Olympics.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board Leen Meijaard: "We are very excited that Maurits Hendriks has accepted the new executive position of CSO. The competitive and social-cultural challenges that Ajax is facing are huge. With Maurits we gain a great amount of top sports organizational experience. He also brings a lot of managerial experience. We are convinced that, in co-operation with the rest of the board, Maurits will also bring a substantial contribution to the cultural program for a safe work- and sports climate within the entire club."
Maurits Hendriks: "Ajax inspires the imagination of young people with telling top sports performances, so they can become their best self. I look forward to contribute to strengthening the top sports culture with my new co-workers and to further expand this beautiful club."
Chief Executive Officer Edwin van der Sar: "The arrival of Maurits Hendriks is a very welcome reinforcement of our board of directors. His knowledge and experience are a big value to further develop the top sports culture of Ajax. That means further strengthening our youth academy together with all involved co-workers, taking the next steps with our women's football and various long-term projects, like the project De Nieuwe Toekomst."
