Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE

Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE

Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE serves as the CEO of Everton Football Club and is a key figure in the club’s leadership. Appointed to the role in 2018, she has been instrumental in advancing the club’s vision and initiatives. Her journey with Everton began in 2010 as the CEO of Everton in the Community, where she transformed the charity into a globally recognized organization, delivering impactful programs to support vulnerable communities. Recognized for her efforts, she was awarded an MBE in 2014 for her contributions to the Merseyside community.

Beyond her work at Everton, Denise is a champion for social causes, leading efforts such as the establishment of the Everton Free School and Sixth Form College. Under her stewardship, Everton in the Community has earned over 100 local and international awards. Denise’s accolades include a Lifetime Role Model award and leadership in events like the 2021 Special Olympics GB Summer Games. Her influence extends to roles in academia and public service, cementing her legacy as a leader committed to both football and community development​

She was born in May 1971 in Liverpool and studied at Riversdale College in Aigburthand Manchester Metropolitan University. She had roles at University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester Business School and the University of Chester. She lives with her husband and two children in South Liverpool.

Everton Football Club

Everton Football Club, founded in 1878, is one of the oldest and most storied clubs in English football history. Originally known as St. Domingo’s FC, the club was renamed Everton in 1879, taking its name from the district in Liverpool where it was based. Everton was a founding member of the Football League in 1888 and won its first league title in 1891. The club’s home ground, Goodison Park, has been its base since 1892, making it one of the oldest purpose-built football stadiums in the world. Over the years, Everton has enjoyed significant success, particularly during the pre-war era and the mid-1980s. The club has won the English top division nine times, the FA Cup five times, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup once, in 1985, under the management of Howard Kendall.

Throughout its history, Everton has been renowned for its youth development and nurturing of talent, contributing significantly to the England national team. Players like Dixie Dean, who scored a record 60 league goals in the 1927-28 season, and modern stars like Wayne Rooney, who began his illustrious career at Everton, highlight the club’s commitment to developing footballing talent. The club’s motto, “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum” (Nothing but the best is good enough), reflects its ambitions and standards. Despite facing challenges and fluctuating fortunes in recent decades, Everton remains a prominent and respected club in English football, with a passionate fan base and a commitment to returning to the pinnacle of the sport.