Kyril Louis-Dreyfus makes two new key appointments at Sunderland in series of significant updates

In a number of significant updates posted at Companies House, it was also confirmed that neither Stewart Donald nor Juan Sartori remain as directors at the club.

Both have retained a minority shareholding in the club alongside Charlie Methven as a result of the deal that has seen Louis-Dreyfus become controlling shareholder and Chairman.

This move nevertheless reflects the limited influence they are now set to exert over club affairs moving forward.

Louis-Dreyfus has unsurprisingly been installed as a director, as have Igor Levin and Patrick Julien Treuer. Both have close connections to Louis-Dreyfus.

Levin is a legal representative of the Louis-Dreyfus family.

Treuer, meanwhile, is the CFO of the Louis Dreyfus company.

The updates have also confirmed the departure of CEO Jim Rodwell, as announced by the club last week.

Sunderland fans are set to hear from Louis-Dreyfus at length for the first time on Tuesday night, when his interview with club channels is aired at half-time during the League One clash with Fleetwood.

Speaking after confirmation of the deal was announced last week, he said: “I am proud to become a custodian of this esteemed institution, but I also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it.

"Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history and although the current landscape facing football dictates that there are challenges to overcome, I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”

These recent updates are the latest in a busy start to the Louis-Dreyfus era.

The new chairman had already made his presence felt in the appointments of Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman and Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison.

Speakman was the key figure in the selection of Lee Johnson as head coach and yesterday announced the outcome of his initial assessment of the club’s academy structure.

Head of Coaching Lewis Dickman has been appointed as the new Academy Manager, with Stuart English arriving from Birmingham City to take up his previous role.

Leann Cowperthwaite has been appointed Head of Academy Operations.

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