Rob Mitchell Appointed to Cherries Board

Long-standing commercial director Rob Mitchell has been appointed to the board of directors at AFC Bournemouth.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell has invited Rob to join the board after a number of successful seasons in the commercial department, asking him to provide a link between the board and commercial operation at the Seward Stadium.

Rob Mitchell - who is no relation to the current Cherries Chairman - predates the presiding regime and was appointed in August 2008.

He said, "It's an absolute honour to be invited onto the board at AFC Bournemouth, a club which I hold close to my heart and have watched blossom over the last three and a half years.

"When I arrived, there was a huge amount of work to do to build commercial revenue streams and rebuild some of the existing relationships which had unfortunately suffered prior to the club's exit from administration.

"Since Eddie and Neill Blake took over they have given me the support and direction I needed to rebuild the commercial operation and we've seen commercial revenue grow year on year."

Rob was instrumental in securing top level sponsorship deals with the Seward Motor Group and Focal Point Fires, and boasts seven and a half years in football, following stints at Northampton Town and Southampton FC.

"I will be continuing my day to day role as commercial director, but will now be able to ensure that the communication between my department and the board is streamlined, which will allow for growth and improvement in the more day to day areas of the club."

Rob's transition to board level happens with immediate effect, after approval from The Football League was granted.

AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell said, "Rob was one of the staff who offered us continuity when we took over and that was something Neill and I appreciated greatly.

"Our commercial revenue has gone from strength to strength and some of the initiatives Rob has introduced, such as the AFC Business Club, have proved a magnificent success in generating new business and raising our profile amongst the business community.

"I believe it's vitally important that we promote from inside and enhance the board's knowledge of the club and its mechanics on a day to day level. I am excited by appointing a new member to the board and look forward to Rob becoming a committed and integral part of the set-up at AFC Bournemouth."