SUNDERLAND have announced the appointment of Leo Pearlman to their board of directors.
Pearlman, who is a lifelong Sunderland supporter and Co-founder and managing partner of acclaimed transatlantic production company Fulwell 73, has taken on the role of non-executive director with the Black Cats.
In his role with Fulwell 73, whose northern offices are based in Sunderland, Pearlman is responsible for managing global commercial issues and controlling business development and growth-targeted strategy.
Awarded an honorary doctorate of art from the University of Sunderland earlier this summer, Pearlman was an executive producer of the Netflix series 'Sunderland Til I Die'.
Pearlman said: “Kyril and his team have done a quite remarkable job of turning our club’s fortunes around in an incredibly short space of time.
"They have once again made us a club one can be proud to support, a club with a clear vision and a bright future, and a club heading in only one direction.
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"The city of Sunderland and SAFC are inextricably linked – when one thrives the other benefits and when both thrive, there's no stopping us. I am incredibly excited at being given the opportunity to help contribute to that future and intend to do all I can to deliver on our unlimited potential.”
Led by Pearlman, Fulwell 73 are spearheading a proposal with Cain International to build a major film studio in Sunderland that would bring jobs and significant economic benefits to the region.
The development of Sunderland-based Crown Works Studios will be one of the largest filmmaking complexes in Europe and is projected to create 8,450 jobs across the North-East over the next decade.
Louis-Dreyfus added: “Leo is a lifelong supporter of the club and someone we have closely worked with on a range projects throughout the past two-and-a-half years.
"His immense passion for Sunderland AFC and the city of Sunderland makes him a natural fit within our organisation and we are delighted to welcome him to our board of directors as we continue to develop and grow on and off the pitch.”
Pearlman’s appointment is subject to EFL approval, and it is expected he will take up his position later this month.
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