Harrogate Town’s new Managing Director Karen Tyson aiming to strengthen 'connection' with club's supporters

The Sulphurites announced on Thursday that Karen Tyson had been appointed to the role following Chief Executive Officer Sarah Barry’s departure from Wetherby Road.

Having spent the last 12 months working as York RLFC’s Chief Commercial Officer during the club’s first-ever season in Super League, Tyson boasts more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across sport, hospitality and business.

And she says that she is looking forward to using that experience to try to help drive Town forwards off the pitch.

“I am delighted to be joining Harrogate Town AFC,” Tyson said. “To be back in Harrogate and have the opportunity to play a part at the heart of the club is something I am very excited about and is absolutely the right next step for me.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create a real sense of belonging. I’m looking forward to getting to know the people who make Harrogate Town what it is – our supporters, staff, players, volunteers, partners and the wider community. The relationship between a club and its supporters is incredibly important, and I am privileged to become part of that.

“Harrogate Town is a club with real ambition and potential, both on and off the pitch. There is a lot to build on, and I am looking forward to playing my part in bringing people together around the club and its ambitions.

“Most of all, I am looking forward to working together to build on the pride that already exists around Harrogate Town AFC and making that connection between the club, our supporters and the wider community even stronger.”

Tyson previously spent 18 years at Rudding Park in Harrogate, where she held senior leadership positions with responsibility across commercial strategy, sales, marketing, revenue management, pricing, membership and operations.

She also held a General Manager role, before making the move into rugby league.

“Having spent the last year at York RLFC, I have been fortunate to experience an incredible year in sport and to be part of the club’s first season in Super League,” Tyson added.

"I am proud of what we achieved and, perhaps most importantly, of the relationships and friendships I have built along the way. It has reinforced just how important the connection between a club, its supporters and its community is.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to lead and develop high-performing teams and build lasting and meaningful relationships. People have always been at the heart of my approach, and I am delighted to be bringing that experience to Harrogate Town AFC.”

Tyson’s appointment is subject to approval by the Independent Football Regulator.