Following his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Rugby Football Union, Ian Ritchie is to stand down as the Independent Non-Executive Director of The Football League and from the Board of Wembley Stadium. Ritchie will leave The Football League Board at the end of February and takes up his new position at the RFU on February 27.

Ritchie was appointed to The League Board in April 2004 in a groundbreaking move that saw him become the first independent non-executive director of a domestic football governing body. He remains the only person to have held the position to date. The process of appointing a replacement is already underway and will be led by the Board of The Football League.

Ian joined the Wembley Stadium Board in July 2008 during the new stadium’s second year of operation. He stood down in December following his appointment at The RFU and details of his replacement on the Board will be announced in due course.

In paying tribute to Ian Ritchie, Football League Chairman, Greg Clarke, said “I would like to thank Ian for the outstanding contribution he has made to The Football League during the last seven and a half years.

“When it created this role, The Football League was looking for somebody to bring greater levels of independence, continuity and insight to its decision making process. Ian has delivered in every way.

“On behalf of our clubs, I would like to wish him every success in his new job at the RFU.”

Wembley Stadium Chairman Melvin Benn said: “On behalf of the Board at Wembley I must pay tribute to Ian for the invaluable contribution that he has made to the success of the new Wembley Stadium during his time with us. We wish him well in his new role at the RFU.”

Ian Ritchie said: “It has been a real pleasure and an honour serving on the Board of The Football League and at Wembley. I wish them both every good fortune in the future and look forward to keeping a sporting connection. “