CHERRIES' parent company Black Knight Football Club have appointed Tim Bezbatchenko as their first president, overseeing their football portfolio.

Bezbatchenko will leave his role as general manager at Major League Soccer outfit Columbus Crew in July to take charge of a portfolio containing AFC Bournemouth, FC Lorient, and Hibernian, and Auckland FC.

Cherries chairman and Black Knight Football Club owner Bill Foley commented: “We are excited to add a leader of Tim’s calibre as we continue to build BKFC’s multi-club model.

“His track record of success includes a commitment to developing players and providing first-class facilities and fan experiences, all of which are bedrocks of our approach throughout our network of world-class football clubs.”

“I am thrilled to join Black Knight Football Club and its portfolio of clubs that compete in many of the top domestic competitions in the world,” added Bezbatchenko.

“I would like to thank Bill Foley, Ryan Caswell and Cannae Holdings for providing this opportunity.

“Modern football requires taking a globally integrated approach, with cross-border player transactions integral to creating sustainable success.

“I look forward to working with the leadership across BKFC’s clubs to facilitate player development and player movement to optimize collective team performance on the pitch as well as with our commercial teams to deliver a world class experience for our supporters and partners.”