Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish in the stands ahead of the UEFA Conference League play-off match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Thursday August 21, 2025. _(Image: PA)_
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Sharon Lacey is set to rejoin Crystal Palace as Chief Executive Officer after leaving her role as Chief Operating Officer only six months ago.
Lacey departed Selhurst Park to become CEO at USL Super League side Fort Lauderdale United, taking a broad role encompassing both the women’s and men’s teams.
She was replaced as Palace’s COO by experienced EFL commercial executive Jonty Castle in March, who is expected to remain in that role.
Lacey’s appointment will broaden Palace’s operations team. The CEO role has been left vacant since Phil Alexander left in 2022 to join Bristol City, subsequently increasing the level of responsibility upon the shoulders of Chairman Steve Parish.
Despite Palace’s success on the pitch, it has been a turbulent year at the top of the football club.
Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin left to join the football agency CAA Stellar in the winter, while Dougie Freedman, Palace’s renowned Director of Football, was poached by Al-Diriyah. Noah Abrams, the club's Chief of Staff, also departed to explore other ventures.
Freedman’s exit in particular impacted the pressure on Parish this summer, with the Chairman forced to take on increased responsibility in the transfer market, alongside the day-to-day running of the football club.
However, Palace have now appointed his replacement, with former Wolves sporting Director Matt Hobbs heading the recruitment team.
The arrival of both Lacey and Hobbs marks a significant shift in Palace’s hierarchy, with Parish no longer directly overseeing commercial and football operations, though he is still expected to remain the final decision-maker on key matters.