FORMER Bradford City CEO and director of operations David Baldwin has been appointed as the EFL’s new chief executive.

The EFL confirmed yesterday afternoon that he will start next June, taking over the role from former Bantams managing director Shaun Harvey, who worked at the club in the Premier League under Geoffrey Richmond.

Baldwin left Valley Parade in November 2014, after seven years in the role, to join Burnley. He has been there ever since.

He said: “The role of Chief Executive at the EFL is an exciting opportunity that I could not turn down.

“The EFL continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the football pyramid in this country and I am looking forward to working with the clubs, growing the competitions and ensuring we have a successful and sustainable league in the future.”

Commenting on the appointment, made following a rigorous selection process, chairman of the EFL Board Rick Parry said: “We are pleased to welcome David Baldwin to the EFL.

 “David has a deep and thorough understanding of the game in this country; he joins us with direct experience of running clubs in the Premier League and the EFL, with an excellent reputation and proven ability to build and grow relationships.

“David was the outstanding candidate in a strong field. With his strong leadership skills and enthusiasm for league football, I have no doubt that we have found the right person to lead the organisation.”

Baldwin was crowned Premier League CEO of the Year in 2018 by the Football Business awards and previously, at City, he was in the post as the club reached the 2013 League Cup Final and gained promotion to League One in the same season.