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Boardroom upheaval at Wigan Athletic as managing director departs Wigan Athletic have confirmed the departure of managing director Sarah Guilfoyle 'by mutual consent' - with Anthony Cole-Johnson stepping into the hotseat. Ms Guilfoyle did not appear as scheduled for a fans' meeting at the Brick Community Stadium on Thursday evening to discuss ways of improving the matchday atmosphere. Staff had reportedly been told she was 'away for a few days,' but her 10-year stint at the club has ended in abrupt fashion. Close friend and Latics exec chair Brenda Spencer said: “On behalf of everyone connected with Wigan Athletic, the board would like to thank Sarah for her loyalty, dedication and significant contribution over the past ten years. "Her professionalism and commitment to the club have been unwavering throughout her time at the Brick Community Stadium, and she leaves with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone associated with Wigan Athletic.” Ms Guilfoyle joined the club in 2016 as academy secretary and, over the course of the last decade, progressed through a number of senior operational and football administration roles before being appointed managing director. Throughout her 10 years at Wigan, she played a significant role in the day-to-day operation of the club during one of the most challenging periods in its history. She was a key member of the leadership team that helped steer the club through financial uncertainty, ownership changes and its subsequent rebuilding under the current ownership. As managing director, Sarah helped strengthen the club's governance and operational structures, championed supporter engagement and fan communications and oversaw a number of initiatives aimed at improving and strengthening the club's relationship with its community. She will be replaced by Cole-Johnson, who joins the club as chief executive officer, subject to all regulatory approvals. Board member Lucas Danson said: “The club needs three things right now: sustainable revenue growth, a first team that matches our ambition, and a stronger connection with the town. Anthony was chosen because he can deliver all three, and the board is right behind him.” A club statement concluded: "Wigan Athletic goes into this next chapter with real momentum. The Under-18s were crowned Professional Development League North champions, the women's team won their league and reached two cup finals, and the Under-21s were Central League Cup champions. "That sits alongside three years of investment in the stadium, in data and commercial systems, and in the town's community programmes. "League One's finances have grown tougher across the board. Growth off the pitch has slowed in recent years, but this moment presents opportunity for Wigan Athletic to build commercial revenue and grow the club organically and sustainably. Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Latics coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. Click here "Anthony joins from senior commercial leadership roles at Southampton, Sky, Ospreys and BAFTA to lead that growth and keep the club competitive and sustainable for the long-term. "As part of a responsible approach to managing costs in a division where losses have nearly quadrupled, the club is reviewing its wage structure. The club also wants to put speculation about its stadium to rest. The stadium sits in a protected, separate legal structure that safeguards its long-term future, and that is not changing. "The club recognises that results for the men's first team have not matched its ambition. Anthony comes in at a pivotal time to close that gap with clear direction for positive, attacking football, an academy pathway that keeps producing talent, and a club that feels like it belongs to the town it represents. "Supporters will hear directly from Anthony Cole-Johnson at a Fans' Forum in September, and regularly after that." Cole-Johnson, said: “I am hugely excited to join Wigan Athletic, a club with a highly respected academy, rich history and a future I believe we can be proud of. "Investment in the club over the last three years has given it a firm and stable foundation, and I am absolutely focussed on building on that together with everyone at the Brick Community Stadium. "We have got real talent across the club, who I am excited to work alongside, and I know how much progression means to the club’s supporters and the town. I am focussed on building on the club's recent success in a sustainable way that the fans and local community can get behind. "I look forward to meeting staff and sponsors over the coming weeks and supporters at the Fans' Forum in September.”