Blackpool have confirmed boardroom changes following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Blackpool CEO Julian Winter has stepped down from his role at Bloomfield Road after three years with the club.

The ex-Watford and Swansea City figure joined the Seasiders back in 2023 following the Fylde Coast outfit’s relegation from the Championship.

His departure by mutual agreement comes after three unsuccessful attempts to get out of League One, with the latest campaign bringing a battle at the bottom for long periods.

Sporting Director David Downes will now step up as Blackpool’s new CEO, while Head of Football Operations Nick Horne takes on a new position as Chief Operating Officer.

Discussing his departure, Winter said: "Now we have reached the end of the season, Simon and I have agreed that it is the right time for me to step aside, giving the club the opportunity to prepare for the new campaign under fresh leadership.

"I would like to thank the brilliant staff for all of their hard work behind-the-scenes. I’d especially like to thank Simon for his support from the moment I arrived in 2023, giving me a wonderful opportunity at a very special football club.

“I know that the club will go on to achieve great things in the coming years and I wish everyone the best.”

Winter’s time with the club saw the sacking of Neil Critchley, a 13-month spell for experienced manager Steve Bruce, and the return of Seasiders legend Ian Evatt as head coach last October, while away from the pitch he’s overseen improvements to both the stadium and the training facility Squires Gate.

Reflecting on the departure of the CEO and confirming the new structure at Bloomfield Road, owner Simon Sadler said: “I’d like to thank Julian for all of his efforts over the past three years. He joined during a challenging period for the club in the summer of 2023 and steadied the ship, providing stability with his vast knowledge of the game and leadership experience.

“Alongside his day-to-day work as CEO, Julian led on all of the large infrastructure projects in and around Bloomfield Road. He worked closely with the Council and other local stakeholders in putting the building blocks in place to help vastly improve the local area for many years to come - all of which I am extremely grateful for.

"There will now be a new senior leadership team led by Sporting Director David Downes, who will step up as the Club’s new Chief Executive, closely supported by Head of Football Operations Nick Horne, who takes on a new position as Chief Operating Officer.

“Both of them are Blackpool-born and are hungry to bring success and improvements to our club on and off the pitch, as we continue our preparations for the 2026/27 season with real optimism."

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