Hearts ‘saviour' stepping down as chair
Ann Budge will step down as chairman later this year, and Foundation of Hearts chair, Gerry Mallon, admitted: 'She saved us from the abyss.'
Mallon's reaction followed confirmation that the search for a new chair is under way and Mallon said: 'Ann will leave a remarkable legacy. We are extremely fortunate to have had 12 years of her knowledge and experience at the helm of Hearts.
'In particular, her participation in the birth of the Foundation of Hearts can never be downplayed, neither can the instrumental role she played in saving the club from the abyss and taking it back up to the top of Scottish football.
'For that, I will be forever grateful to Ann, as I'm sure Hearts fans everywhere will be too.'
She steps down after the annual meeting in December after playing a key role in enabling Hearts exit administration in 2014 and, since then, driving the club forward.
Major projects overseen have included the museum, Memorial Garden, a state-of-the-art pitch, and the new Main Stand, incorporating the hotel.
Investment in infrastructure has included improving facilities at The Oriam for players of all levels and the youth academy has been redeveloped, including the creation of a performance school.
Ann said: 'Having discussed this with the board, I feel now is the right time to confirm that I intend to step down.
'When I first got involved with the Foundation of Hearts in 2013, I could not have envisaged the journey it would take me on.
'With Tony Bloom's investment now complete, and the supporters ensconced as custodians of the club, I believe I have done what I set out to achieve.'
Andrew McKinlay, the club's chief executive officer, said: 'It cannot be overstated just how much Ann has done for Heart of Midlothian.
'As we get closer to December's AGM, we will update our supporters on our succession plans.'
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