Luton Town have appointed former Crystal Palace chief commercial officer Barry Webber as the managing director of Power Court Stadium Ltd, with CEO Gary Sweet describing his arrival as a key step in preparing the club for its long-awaited move to a new home.
Webber, who spent the last decade at Palace after previous senior roles at West Ham United, Newcastle United and as CEO of Stevenage, will oversee preparations for the operational launch of Power Court before taking charge of the stadium’s day-to-day running once it opens.
The appointment comes as work continues behind the scenes on the club’s flagship stadium project, with Power Court expected to become the Hatters’ new home in 2028.
Sweet believes Webber’s commercial expertise will be crucial in ensuring the stadium fulfils its financial potential.
“We are delighted to welcome Barry to the executive team,” he told the club’s website.
“Barry has an outstanding track record of delivering growth at the highest level of the game. His expertise, industry relationships and strategic approach will be instrumental as we continue to build the club for the future.
“With the move to Power Court on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment for the club. Barry will play a central role in unlocking new revenue streams, strengthening our strategic and commercial partnerships, and ensuring we fully capitalise on the opportunities ahead.
“Preparing to deliver everything required at Power Court will be a significant challenge, but one that will ensure our new stadium benefits both our supporters and the wider town. I’m delighted that Barry will lead this work for us.”
The creation of the new role underlines the growing importance of Power Court to Luton’s long-term strategy.
The club’s recently published accounts revealed that a significant proportion of parachute payments received following relegation from the Premier League had been earmarked to help fund the stadium development, while CEO Sweet has also stressed in recent months that expanding the club’s commercial revenues will be essential as football’s financial regulations become increasingly stringent.
Webber says his focus will be on ensuring the new stadium remains true to Luton’s identity while also embracing modern technology and creating new commercial opportunities.
“As I step into the role of managing director, I’m incredibly proud to be joining a club whose resilience, passion and loyalty are woven into the fabric of Luton Town and the community it serves,” he told the club’s website.
“Power Court represents the next chapter in that journey – a modern, technology-enabled and content-rich destination that will remain unmistakably Luton Town, while helping to drive the regeneration of an area that means so much to our supporters.
“My focus will be on bringing together stadium development, digital innovation and fan engagement to create an environment where our supporters feel more connected to the club than ever before.
“I’d like to thank the chairman, CEO and board of directors for their trust and support. I’m also looking forward to working closely with the Supporters’ Trust and our wider fanbase as we take these next important steps together.”
Webber joins Luton’s executive leadership team alongside Sweet, chief financial officer Tom Schofield, operations director James Mooney and human resources director Jenn Smith, while also working closely with Michael Moran, chief operating officer of 2020 Developments.
His appointment begins at the end of July, with preparations for Power Court continuing alongside the Hatters’ bid to return to the Championship under Jack Wilshere.
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