Van der Sar joined Ajax’s board of directors in 2012 initially serving as the director of marketing. In 2016, he took on the position of Chief Executive Officer. His contract was set to run until 2025, but he has chosen to resign from his role.
“After almost 11 years on the board, I am done”. Van der Sar told the clubs official website
“We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period. I am very grateful for the people I have met and worked with during my second career at Ajax, and what we have achieved and been through together”.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
Supervisory board chair Pier Eringa said:
“We wanted Edwin to stay, but he had made his decision. We have to respect that”.
“The last season does not reflect the entire period that he has been in charge of Ajax. The club has seen a lot of success, has seen a lot of growth, and gained international exposure”.
“His tasks will be transferred to the remaining members of the board. Edwin will be available for the transfer and advise until August. We expect to announce a new board of directors after August 1. It’s our ambition to add someone to the board with an Ajax background.”
Starting from June 1, Van der Sar will begin the process of transferring his responsibilities to the board, although it has been requested that he formally stays in his position until August 1.
The decision to step down follows Ajax’s trophyless 2022-23 season, where they finished third in the Eredivisie. However during Van der Sar’s tenure as chief executive, the club experienced notable success winning three league titles and two Dutch cups .
