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Hutchinson set for Sunderland return with new venture

Prominent Sunderland business leader Gary Hutchinson has revealed he will return to the North East to launch a new leisure company, after his 12-month stint with the Football Association draws to a close.

Gary, Chair of Sunderland Business Group, the North East England Chamber of Commerce’s Sunderland committee, and former Sunderland AFC commercial director, moved to London at the beginning of the year to take on his Head of Club Wembley FA role.

Leaving the Football Association at the end of the year, Mr Hutchinson said his plans are focused around the development of a new leisure company that will be headquartered from the the North East.

Mr Hutchinson, who left his role with Sunderland AFC in December last year, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA and I’m committed to supporting the organisation over the next few months, until they have plans in place to take Club Wembley forward in the new year.

“However, I have been pursuing a new business venture for the last few months, and it has very quickly moved from being just a concept to something I am ready to push the button on and turn into a reality. It’s moving ahead rapidly, and I am sure it will continue to develop quickly.”

Mr Hutchinson has worked in the leisure and hospitality industry for almost two decades, having started his career as an apprentice, before taking up a role with Sunderland AFC that saw him rise through the ranks, before his departure in December 2016.

He added: “It’s always been an ambition of mine to run a leisure group, and I’m in the process of finalising the purchase of my first venue.

“I’m hoping to be in a position to share more details of plans over the coming weeks. It is the first of a number of planned acquisitions – we have big plans.”

Further announcements on his new business venture are expected in the coming fortnight.

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