Charlton Athletic Women are delighted to confirm the appointments of Abiola (Abi) Ijasanmi and Stephen King as Independent Non-Executive Directors to the club's newly formed Board.
The appointments form part of the establishment of a dedicated Charlton Athletic Women Board and see Abi and Stephen join club Chairman Gavin Carter, Managing Director James Rodwell and Director of Strategy Simon Lenagan in helping to guide the club's development as it embarks on a new era in the Women's Super League.
With the club having returned to the top flight of women's football for the first time in nearly two decades, the appointments represent a significant milestone, bringing extensive expertise in critical areas, with a particular focus on governance, commercial growth and long-term sustainability.
Chairman of Charlton Athletic Women, Gavin Carter, said: "The formation of a dedicated Charlton Athletic Women Board is an important step for the club as we prepare for life in the Women's Super League and continue to build for the future. We are delighted to welcome Abi and Stephen to the Board alongside Simon Lenagan, with both bringing exceptional experience and expertise that will support our long-term ambitions.
"Abi's track record in football governance and commercial development, combined with Stephen's business experience and deep connection to Charlton Women, will be invaluable as we work to ensure sustainable growth and success on and off the pitch. I look forward to working closely with them as we embark on this exciting new chapter for the club, following last season's historic promotion."
Abi Ijasanmi is a barrister, board director and senior sports executive specialising in governance and investment in sport.
She is Founder and CEO of African Sports Investor (ASI), an advisory and investment platform focused on building investment-ready sports organisations, with women’s football a major focus.
She was previously the first woman to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Confederation of African Football, where her remit spanned governance, strategy, commercial development and operational delivery.
“Charlton are entering the Women’s Super League at an important moment in both the club’s development and the wider growth of the women’s professional game. I’m delighted to be joining the board and bringing my experience in governance, football and commercial development to that next phase.
“What particularly interests me is how clubs build sustainably as ambition grows — ensuring that governance, decision-making and commercial development keep pace with what is happening on the pitch.
“Charlton has a strong identity and deep community roots, and I am looking forward to contributing to the club’s continued development at the highest level of the women’s game.”
Abiola ijasanim
A former owner of Charlton Women, Stephen King, has also joined the Board as an Independent Non-executive Director.
Having previously taken on financial responsibility for the club in the 2011/12 season, Charlton Women gained promotion to the second tier of women’s football in 2018 under his stewardship. King subsequently sold the club to Thomas Sandgaard in 2021, enabling both the Men’s and Women’s teams to return to common ownership.
A long-time supporter of Charlton Athletic, Stephen was also one of the Patrons who helped to provide funding for the North Stand construction project. Outside of sport, he is a Chartered Safety Practitioner and founder of a consultancy company listed on London’s Alternative Investment Market.
An experienced Trustee well-versed in UK Charity Commission regulations, he currently chairs the Finance & Resources committee for an adult residential care charity and serves on the board of the Manx Wildlife Trust.
“I am delighted to be (re)appointed to the Board of Charlton Athletic Women, a journey I started back in 2010-11 season. My role as an Independent Non-executive Director will see me assisting the Board in its efforts to set high standards in the way the club is run.
“I am grateful to the Board and the Ownership for placing their trust in me. I aim to draw on my business experience and long history with the club to add value and to help with our objectives of achieving sustainability along with on-field success.”
Stephen King