It has been today (14/5) announced that Andrew Cullen, the Executive Director of MK Dons, will be leaving to take up a new position of CEO at Portsmouth Football Club.
Andy joined MK Dons from Norwich City in November 2008 and, during his 12-and-a-half years at Stadium MK, oversaw a revitalisation of the sales, marketing and football operation while also building a strong connection between the supporters and the Football Club.
As well as introducing a number of initiatives and schemes to successfully grow the supporter base, Andy also played a key role in the promotions to the Sky Bet Championship in 2015 and then from Sky Bet League Two in 2019, while he has also served as a Club Representative on the EFL Board.
Chairman Pete Winkelman said: “It is with great disappointment that we have to announce Andrew’s departure from the Football Club.
“Not only has he made an enormous contribution in a professional sense, dedicating virtually every minute of the past 12-and-a-half years to MK Dons, but, on a personal level, his incredibly well-mannered and warming personality has helped us build strong connections with our peers throughout football and with the Milton Keynes community.
“While we will be compensated for his departure, we are still bitterly upset to see him leave to a Sky Bet League One rival. Nonetheless, we wish him nothing but success and good fortune moving forwards in his career, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Stadium MK in the new season.”
Winkelman added: “Whilst this news has come as a shock, with change also comes opportunity.
“We are fortunate to have many exceptionally talented individuals working across our football operation and I have no doubt that, together, we can use this moment to continue our progression as a Football Club, for our supporters, club partners and sponsors, and the people of Milton Keynes.”
Andrew Cullen told mkdons.com: “I have been extremely fortunate to thoroughly enjoy over 12 incredible years at Stadium MK but I believe that, after such a long tenure at MK Dons, the time is right to seek a fresh challenge.
“I want to express my gratitude to Pete and his family for giving me such an amazing opportunity and for entrusting me with the day-to-day management of the Football Club. I have also been supported by an incredible team of talented colleagues across several different departments and I would like to thank all of them, along with the club partners and sponsors, the local media and, especially, the supporters who have been so kind to me and Jacqui.
“We have made so many friends with people who genuinely love this Football Club. We will never forget them, and we genuinely hope we can all remain connected. I will personally deeply miss everyone at Stadium MK and MK Dons will, forever, hold a very special place in my heart.”
Andy will relinquish all first-team responsibilities with immediate effect, before his departure at the end of the month.
A spokesperson for MK Dons added: "The Club would like to place on record their immense gratitude to Andrew for his outstanding service and contribution. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."
