Nottingham Forest has today announced significant changes to the Board structure of the Club and its chairmanship.
Nicholas Randall KC will step down from his role as Chairman with immediate effect and will be appointed as a non-executive director on the Club’s Board. Following six years in the role, Nicholas has handed over the chairmanship to Tom Cartledge, Chief Executive Officer of Handley House Group.
Nicholas Randall KC played an instrumental role in the leadership, growth and development of Nottingham Forest following the acquisition of the Club by Evangelos Marinakis in 2017. His dedication to the role of rebuilding the Club under new ownership, and the strides he made in strengthening relations between the Club and the city of Nottingham will leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all associated with Nottingham Forest.
In acknowledgement of his achievements, Nicholas has been invited by Evangelos Marinakis to remain on the Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity. He will also remain a trustee of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust and continue his work as the Club’s representative on a number of FA and Premier League committees.
Incoming Chairman Tom Cartledge, who is a life-long supporter of Nottingham Forest and lives in the area with his family, brings with him a wealth of experience in real estate, retail, economic investment and business leadership. Born in Nottingham and educated in the city, Tom now runs his family business based in the county.
As the Club continues its ambitious plans for growth off the pitch, Tom’s business expertise make him the perfect successor to the role. Since the acquisition in 2017, Tom has had close involvement in an advisory capacity to the Club’s ownership on infrastructure and expansion projects, including those for the proposed redevelopment of The City Ground. As a passionate Nottingham Forest fan, his vision for the club’s future align seamlessly with the values and ambitions held by the owner.
Commenting on the transition, Nicholas Randall KC said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the Chairman of Nottingham Forest. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“I would like to thank Evangelos Marinakis and Socrates Kominakis for giving me the opportunity to be the Chairman of this wonderful Club for the past six years and for the incredible support, investment and commitment they have shown to both me and the Club, which has been changed beyond recognition in the past six years. I also extend my sincere thanks to our loyal and dedicated staff and, of course, to our magnificent supporters. I could not have asked for more, through the good times and the bad, during my six years in post.
“I am delighted that Tom has accepted the offer to become Chairman of the Club. I have no doubt that he will bring the enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the role which is now necessary to take the Club forward in this next period of its history. Not only does he have an outstanding professional and business background but he has been a Forest fan all of his life. He is an outstanding candidate.”
Tom Cartledge expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I am truly honoured to take on the role of Chairman at Nottingham Forest. This club has a rich history and a passionate fan base, as I know first-hand having been a proud season ticket holder for 40 years! Over the course of my life, I have moved home, moved jobs, moved schools, and moved stands but I would never move clubs; Forest and family are my constant.
“I am incredibly proud that my wife and my boys are all Forest fans too. This is our second home and there isn’t a day in our house when Forest isn’t mentioned!
“The first time I met the owner, he asked why the city had got used to accepting average instead of excellence. His plan was to change that through hard work and passion and no one can question the achievements to date. But now it’s time to kick on to the next level on and off the pitch.
“The owner’s passion for the Club is infectious, we both believe that there is so much more to do – with our role in the city, with our fans, with the infrastructure of the Club and, of course, with our performances and ambitions on the pitch. We share a vision for this great Club of ours both domestically and internationally. I can’t wait to get started.”
Speaking about the work of the outgoing Chairman, Tom said: “I first met the Chairman and then CEO over dinner in Nottingham, just a few months after the takeover. In those six years we have developed a close friendship and he was the very first person to congratulate me on the appointment. The Chairman should be proud of what the club has achieved under his guidance and I will forever be thankful for his support.”
Tom will continue as CEO of his family group of businesses trading across the world which, in turn, will help create more opportunities globally to promote Forest.
