MK Dons are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Hart as Chief Executive Officer.
Neil joins the Dons from Bolton Wanderers, where he spent three years at the helm, overseeing vastly improved season ticket sales, record stadium sponsorship deals and a close working relationship with the Supporters' Trust.
His work in Greater Manchester saw him win League One CEO of the Year 2023 at the Football Business Awards for stabilising operations, driving commercial revenue and enhancing fan engagement.
Before working for Bolton, Neil was CEO of Burnley in the Premier League, spending the best part of nine years at Turf Moor including leading Burnley FC in the Community to awards recognition for their work delivering sport and education programs and building community centres in Lancashire.
Prior to leading Bolton and Burnley, Neil worked slightly closer to Milton Keynes, with a spell as Head of Community at Watford after beginning his career in football with Luton Town.
Neil joins MK Dons shortly after the change in ownership from Pete Winkelman to Fahad Al Ghanim and is looking forward to working closely with the new ownership group to take MK Dons forward.
On becoming CEO of Milton Keynes Dons, Neil Hart said:
"I'm absolutely delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the football club. Having spoken at length with Fahad, the vision he has, not just for MK Dons, but for Milton Keynes as a whole, really excited me. The potential for the football club, with its phenomenal infrastructure, is there for all to see. Now, it's for us to go and realise it. While we all want to see MK Dons rising up the league tables, there is also scope to add to the matchday experience, amplify the club's commercial opportunities and of course build on the fantastic community work of the MK Dons Sports and Education Trust. I can't wait to get started and am sincerely looking forward to meeting staff and supporters over the coming weeks."
On Neil's appointment, MK Dons Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim said:
"Neil's record in football speaks for itself. He is undoubtedly a top-level CEO with a wealth of fantastic experience across both the EFL and the Premier League. His community work in particular is second to none, and I know he'll bring that same tenacity to deliver meaningful opportunities in the community to Milton Keynes. My experience in business and sport have taught me that a unified approach is crucial to success, and I'm confident Neil is the person we need to bring everyone at the club together as we enter this new era. I thought long and hard about this appointment, and am absolutely thrilled Neil has chosen to join MK Dons.
The much-anticipated Milton Keynes Inspiration Awards 2025 is set to honour the most inspirational individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Through the year there have been lots of events and activities across the city’s parks for residents to enjoy, including the MK Health Walks programme of 528 walks attended by more than 12,000 participants getting active outdoors.