Information

CEO STEPS DOWN

Chief Executive Officer of The St Johnstone Community Trust, Francis Smith, steps down from role.

The St Johnstone Community Trust would like to congratulate Francis Smith on his appointment as the CEO of St Johnstone Football Club.

A former Scottish hurdler, Fran was the National Club Manager at Scottish Athletics and a Changing Lives Champion at Sport Scotland before taking up his post with the Community Trust in January 2022.

Fran said “As I sit down to write this, it’s hard to believe my journey with Saints in the Community is coming to an end. After two and a half incredible years with the Trust, I will be stepping down as CEO and taking on this new role. This decision was not made lightly, but I feel that the challenge ahead, on a personal note, was one which I could not turn down. I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable work the team at the Trust have done in my time; the delivery of the strategy and grassroots initiatives to the large-scale programmes which have touched the lives of so many. We have built something truly special. Our impact on the community, especially in supporting those most in need, has been profound, and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and passion of our team, volunteers, and partners. It has been a privilege to lead such a talented and compassionate group of individuals, and I am confident that Saints in the Community will continue to thrive and make a difference in the lives of many. To our partners and supporters, thank you for believing in our vision and for your ongoing collaboration. Your support has been instrumental in enabling us to expand our reach and enhance the services we provide. I know that these relationships will only grow.”

During Fran’s tenure, Saints in the Community has been recognised with several awards. The charity received the Perth & Kinross ‘Sport for Change’ award, the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Commitment to the Community’ award in both 2022 and 2023, and was shortlisted for the European Football for Development Network’s 2023 #MoreThanFootball award.

Chairman Roddy Ross added “Fran’s experience and enthusiasm pushed the Trust to new heights in recent years. He leaves the Trust in a very exciting place and with our very best wishes, and we look forward to working closely with him in his new role.”

Fran will remain an active part of the Community Trust in the interim, supporting the Saints in the Community Board of Trustees and Staff in an advisory capacity as we ensure a smooth transition into the Trust’s next phase.