Tom Lawrence, who played a significant role in steering Southend United through tough financial times, has been appointed chief executive officer of Carlisle United.
The 41-year-old started work this week at Brunton Park under an interim employment arrangement while the formal appointment process is completed with the Independent Football Regulator.
He had announced his decision to leave the top role with Southend at the end of the season in April although saying he would stay on as a director.
Lawrence had been in the role at Roots Hall since May 2021 and is especially proud of the part he played in helping the Shrimpers survive.
When announcing he was stepping down he said: “It has been a privilege to serve this club during such a pivotal period.
“Together, we have rebuilt foundations, strengthened governance, grown revenues, and created resilience through challenging headwinds.”
That was reciprocated by the Southend board who said: “Tom stood by the club during a uniquely difficult period and played a significant role in manoeuvring Southend United into safe harbour, providing the time and space required for new ownership to take effect.”
He succeeds Nigel Clibbins who was Carlisle’s chef executive officer for 10 years before leaving earlier this year.
Before joining Southend, Lawrence was CEO and in-house solicitor at Gillingham. During his time there, the club achieved a tenth-place finish in League One despite operating with one of the division’s smallest playing budgets.
He also led a restructuring of the business that increased turnover and delivered a financial improvement of more than £600,000.
His experience of leading football clubs at EFL and National League level gives him a strong understanding of the operational, financial and regulatory demands facing clubs throughout the football pyramid while bringing practical experience of balancing on-field ambition with financial discipline, commercial growth, governance and long-term planning.
Lawrence said: “Carlisle United is a big club with a proud history, a passionate supporter base and an important role at the heart of the city and across Cumbria.
“It is a privilege to have been selected as the club’s preferred candidate for chief executive.
“My immediate priority will be to listen, learn and build strong relationships with the staff, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders across the community.
“I look forward to working with the ownership group and the board to turn our shared ambitions into a clear strategy and a strong plan for the future.”
