Everton announced the death of club president Bill Kenwright, who has passed away at the age of 78 on Monday.
Everton posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “Everton Football… The club would like to express its condolences.”
Mr Kenwright had worked for the club since 1989, when he was appointed to the Goodison Park board.
His consortium bought the club on Boxing Day 1999 and he was chairman from 2004.
Under his management, Everton finished in the top four in 2005, reached the FA Cup final in 2009 and qualified for Europe six times.
The Toffees have also achieved 12 top-eight finishes, but recent seasons have not been as comfortable, particularly with the threat of relegation looming at Goodison Park in 2022-23.
In a statement announcing his death, the club paid a moving tribute to Kenwright, saying: “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with him. My thoughts are with my partner Jenny Seagrove.” his daughter Lucy Kenwright, his grandchildren and all who knew and loved him. ”
Kenwright led a highly glamorous life as a theater producer, bringing hits such as Blood Brothers and Fame to London’s West End and earning the millions he needed to buy his beloved Toffees. .
He was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his services to film and theater and is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.