Ann Budge to Step Down as Hearts Chairperson

After more than a decade leading the club, Ann Budge has announced she will resign from her position as chairperson of Heart of Midlothian later this year. Her departure is scheduled for December, as the club begins the search for her successor.

Budge, who played a pivotal role in stabilizing the club after a turbulent period, made her fortune in the tech industry before transforming Hearts. In 2014, she invested £2.5 million of her own money to rescue the club from financial collapse, a move that prevented it from going under. By 2021, she achieved her goal of returning the club to supporter ownership, making Hearts the largest fan-owned team in Britain.

Under her leadership, Hearts became debt-free, constructed a new main stand, and pioneered social initiatives such as introducing a living wage and featuring charity sponsors on their kits. However, on the footballing front, the club experienced frequent managerial changes, with eight full-time managers appointed during her tenure, indicating some struggle in football operations.

Budge’s tenure was not without controversy. Her decisions sometimes appeared aloof, and her loyalty to certain managers, like Craig Levein, drew criticism. She also fought a legal case against the Scottish Professional Football League following Hearts’ relegation in 2020, which was ultimately dismissed.

Reflecting on her departure, Budge expressed pride in the club’s progress, noting that her initial goal was to stabilize and grow Hearts, which she believes has now been achieved. She highlighted Tony Bloom’s recent investment and the fan-supporter transition as key milestones.

Chief executive Andrew McKinlay acknowledged her enormous contribution, emphasizing her impact on the club’s future. While her time at the helm may have seen some missteps, her efforts in saving and strengthening Hearts have etched her as a fundamental figure in the club’s history.

Ann Budge has announced her intention to step down as Hearts chairperson this December.