Harrogate Town have appointed Karen Tyson as the club's new Managing Director, subject to regulatory approval.
She will replace Sarah Barry, who is leaving the club after five years as Chief Executive Officer.
Karen brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across hospitality, sport and business.
She previously spent 18 years at Rudding Park in Harrogate, holding responsibility for commercial strategy, sales, marketing, revenue management, membership and operations.
Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at York RLFC, overseeing partnerships, sponsorship, hospitality and business development.
Harrogate Town Chairman Irving Weaver said:
“We are delighted to welcome Karen to Harrogate Town. She brings a wealth of experience, a strong connection to Harrogate and, most importantly, shares our belief in the importance of people, community and building the club in the right way.
“Karen joins us at an exciting time for the football club and I know she will bring enormous energy and experience to the role.”
Karen said returning to Harrogate and joining the club was the “right next step” for her.
She said:
“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 really looking forward to getting started, meeting as many people as possible and working together to make the connection between the club, our supporters and the wider community even stronger.”
Sarah leaves following a period of significant off-field growth at Harrogate Town.
Last season, the club’s average home attendance exceeded 3,000 for the first time—more than double the figure recorded in the final season with crowds before her appointment.
The club also finished third across the EFL in the Family Excellence Scheme for the 2025/26 season.
Sarah said:
“Representing Harrogate Town AFC as CEO has been an absolute honour and a privilege.
“The last five years have been incredible. There is too much to list, but I’m immensely proud of how far we have come in that time.
“There are really exciting times ahead and I’m delighted to be staying closely connected as a trustee on the Harrogate Town Community Foundation board.”
Irving added:
“Sarah has played a hugely important role in the development of Harrogate Town over the past five years and, on behalf of Dorothy, Simon and everyone at the club, I want to thank her personally for everything she has given to us.
“She has led the club with enormous energy and commitment and leaves having made a real and lasting contribution.”
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