The Toffees stabilised upon David Moyes' return but are heading for an exciting new era at Bramley Moore Docks following the move from Goodison Park.
After years of instability off the pitch, a takeover has renewed optimism on the blue side of Merseyside and the club have opted to move away from the Director of Football 'model' in favour of a 'football leadership team.'
Angus Kinnear has left Leeds United to become CEO with the club, while Hammond is one of four individuals to join the leadership team.
Nick Cox has been named Technical Director, James Smith as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, Chris Howarth will direct the Club's football strategy & analytics operations while Hammond to lead the Club's player trading activity.
A former Royals goalkeeper in the 1990s before taking charge of the Academy at the turn of the Milennium, Hammond became the club's first-ever Director of Football in 2003 and was a crucial part of the club's rise to eighth in the Premier League.
He remained connected to the club for over 20 years which included two spells in the Premier League, moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2016.
He has also worked with Celtic, Leeds United and Newcastle United, strengthening his reputation as one of the elite negotiators in the game.
Kinnear [said:](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2025/june/20/everton-confirms-football-leadership-appointments/) “I’m delighted with the appointments of Nick, James and Nick. Their CVs speak for themselves - they are exceptional operators, hugely respected in the game and an example of the ambition we hold as a Club in ensuring the pathways and structures in place across our football operations are of the very highest standard.
“The fact we had such exceptional candidates for these positions is also a reflection of the direction of the Club. I'm equally delighted by our appointment of Chris and ownership's strategic acquisition of Insight Sport, which is a further sign of our ownership’s ambition for Everton and I believe step-changes our analytics capability and will deliver us a long-term competitive advantage.
“The new football leadership structure will ensure our two managers have the very best support, and the very best operators driving the key football operations, to ensure our collective ambitions are realised.”