Club CEO update

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Francis Smith as the new chief executive of St Johnstone Football Club.

Francis, 42, takes up the position having served as the CEO of The St Johnstone Community Trust for the past two-and-a-half years.

During that time he has played a significant role in helping the Trust develop, grow and continue to succeed in their goal of changing lives through football.

A former Scottish hurdler, Francis also has an abundance of experience as an operations manager and a business development executive.

He is excited to work with new owner Adam Webb and said: “I am honoured and proud to be named the chief executive of such a special football club.

“There is a great opportunity to drive forward and in a positive direction. It is an exciting time where we will be working hard to bring the vision of Adam and our investors to life.”

He continued: “I know the majority of the staff within the club already and have a good working relationship with them.

“We have a massive opportunity commercially at this club. We need to make sure we are driving business Monday to Friday and not just on a Saturday. That is something we will be looking at immediately.”

Francis added: “I’m so thankful to the board of trustees at The St Johnstone Community Trust and every single member of the team who has supported me. They have been a pleasure to work for.

“In my new role, I will continue to bring club and community together. That way, everybody can flourish.”

Adam Webb said: “Fran is a dynamic leader and a perfect fit for the club going forward.  His success at the Community Trust has been remarkable. The club has numerous improvements and initiatives underway and Fran's high-energy and organisational ability will serve us well.”

Chair of the St Johnstone Community Trust, Roddy Ross, added: "The Board of the St Johnstone Community Trust are delighted our CEO Francis Smith has been appointed as CEO of St Johnstone Football Club. Francis has done an outstanding job with the Trust and, whilst we are disappointed to lose him, we wish him every success in his new role. 

"We look forward to working closely with him and Adam Webb as we continue to support disadvantaged people of all ages in Perth and Kinross."

The club, of course, must place on record its immense gratitude to Stan Harris. Stan stepped into the role of chief executive in June 2023 – latterly serving as chairman – and helped ensure there was a smooth transition of club ownership.

Stan previously served as a director from June 2005 until August 2021 and we thank him for everything he has done for the football club.

Adam Webb continued: “The St Johnstone community cannot thank Stan enough for his selfless service to the club as chairman and CEO.  He is and always will be a Saints hero.  We will call on Stan's skills and experience in the future, but we understand he has more than done his bit for now.”

Stan said: “It has been a privilege to work and assist a football club that is – and will continue to be – very close to my heart.

“It was always going to be the case that I would step aside at this point, but I will always be on hand to offer guidance whenever needed moving forward.

“I’ll not be a stranger in the board room or the stands at McDiarmid Park and look forward to seeing as many of our fans as possible in the near future.”