Martin Bain appointed Sunderland's new chief executive officer

Sunderland have appointed Martin Bain as the club's new chief executive officer.

Bain, who is currently the chief executive at Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv, will take up his new role at the Stadium of Light on July 1. 

He replaces Margaret Byrne, who resigned as the club's chief executive in March after admitting she made a "serious mistake" over her handling of former Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson, now a convicted sex offender.

"It is a great honour and privilege to become CEO at a club with Sunderland's rich history and heritage," Bain said. 

"I have been fortunate to be a part of a team that has brought great success to two clubs with passionate supporter bases and I am excited by the opportunity to do the same at Sunderland. 

"Sunderland fans are recognised as some of the most loyal and passionate in football. The backing they gave the team in the two recent vital home games played an integral part in the victories. Such tremendous support deserves a successful club and that is what we will aim to give them.

"I am looking forward to working closely with the chairman and everyone involved with the club, and will endeavour to do everything possible to help the club to realise its potential."

Prior to joining Maccabi, Bain was the chief executive officer at Rangers and a director of the Scottish Premiership.  

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short added: "I am delighted to welcome Martin to Sunderland.  With his commercial experience, commitment to working closely with local communities and impressive track record of building winning teams on and off the pitch, I know that we have someone that can take us forward. 

"Martin will strive to transform our financial performances, which we acknowledge must improve significantly, into a stable and successful model, to give us a club that we and our fans can be proud of. In doing so, he will receive the full support of everyone at Sunderland."