LFC Appoint Ops Director

Liverpool FC announced today the appointment of Andrew Parkinson as its first ever Operations Director. Andrew, who will report directly to Managing Director Ian Ayre, takes up his new position on September 5. He will be responsible for the overall delivery of the customer experience at Liverpool, managing and developing operational activities relating to customer services, ticketing, conference and banqueting, stadium operations, and museum and tours. He will also oversee the facilities management of the Club's various different sites.

Currently the general manager for Bluewater, one of Europe's leading retail and leisure destinations, Andrew has operated in a fast paced and multi-faceted retail/leisure environment delivering an operation with the customer at the centre of its success. This has included full P&L responsibility encompassing over 330 UK and international brands, 50 bars and restaurants in a facility covering 1.6million square feet. He also has a track record of working with broader external stakeholders in building relationships with the local council to help position Bluewater at the heart of the community. Additionally he has overseen the development of the next phase of Bluewater's evolution, the Events Venue - a purpose-built 55,000 sq ft facility that will open in late 2011.

Andrew began his career in 1989 as a district sales manager for NAAFI, a multi-faceted retail outlet. He spent six years there before joining Thorn UK as regional sales manager with commercial responsibility for over 50 stores. After a number of promotions he joined Bluewater in 2003 as retail business manager, with responsibility for day-to-day relations. He then became general manager of Touchwood in 2004 and spent three years in that role, with responsibility for 100 retail and catering outlets before joining Bluewater in 2007 as general manager.

Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "Andrew brings a wealth of relevant experience and some fresh ideas. He will add further focus to our desire to improve the all-round customer experience for our fans and customers. We continue to grow in all areas of our business and it is vital that we equip ourselves with the necessary talent on and off the pitch to ensure we are capable of being the best we can be. Andrew will be an excellent addition to the management team."

Andrew said: "This is a really exciting challenge at a pivotal time in the Club's development. Liverpool is an iconic sporting institution, with a fantastic heritage. It's my job to help build on that and deliver the best possible experience for all our supporters, whether that is on a matchday or through other channels of communication with the Club.

"I was brought up a Liverpool fan and my great grandfather Jack Parkinson actually played as a striker for the Club in the early 20th century, so this is a fabulous opportunity for me to work for an organization which means so much me personally."