By providing clarity at an early stage, the club will have sufficient time to look for a new CEO. It has been agreed by mutual consent that Geelen will step down before the end of his current term, allowing the organisation the opportunity to recruit a new CEO who can lead the next phase of transformation and help safeguard Ajax’s sustainable future. The Supervisory Board will engage an external executive search firm to manage the recruitment and selection process. The Supervisory Board is confident that a new CEO can be appointed before April 1, 2027.
Menno Geelen: ''Working for Ajax has always been a privilege. After more than 16 years, I feel the time is right for the next step. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the roles I have been able to fulfil at this club. The Supervisory Board and I began discussing my expiring contract and the future at an early stage. Those were constructive conversations, which ultimately led to this decision. Announcing it now gives the club time to find a successor. I have learned a great deal here, and together we have achieved a lot over the years. There are countless special memories, and of course there have also been more challenging moments. For now, my main focus is on helping the club achieve sporting success this season and continue moving forward. I will do everything I can in the coming months to contribute to that.''
On behalf of the Supervisory Board, Chairman Lesley Bamberger expressed his appreciation for Geelen’s years of service to Ajax: ''Menno has made a significant contribution to the club. He helped guide Ajax through difficult periods when he was asked to take on the role of CEO, and he has always remained loyal to Ajax. It is now our responsibility as a Supervisory Board to find a worthy successor who fits the club’s future direction and development. We have agreed with Menno that he will work closely with us to ensure a smooth handover, enabling the new CEO, together with the rest of the executive team, to continue building a sustainable and successful future for the club.''
