Carolien Gehrels, member and chairwoman of Ajax's supervisory board, has stepped down from her role with immediate effect, becoming the third member in three weeks to leave the club's managing body.
Former Champions League winner Danny Blind and Hermine Voute both left the club's supervisory board in recent times. Blind stepped down on September 5th, and Voute, who joined the board in December 2024, left on September 22nd. Their terms ran until 2027 and 2026.
Gehrels joined Ajax's supervisory board during a member's meeting in February, when she was also named chairwoman. After seven months, Gehrels announced she'd leave the board with immediate effect and not sit out her four-year term.
"Over the past seven months, I have enjoyed serving as chairwoman of the supervisory board of Ajax. However, the time commitment has proven to be so significant that it is no longer compatible with my work. This is a good and responsible time to step down. I wish Ajax every success," Gehrels said in a club statement.
Gehrels, just as Blind and Voute, will remain on the supervisory board until replacements have been found and installed.
'Extraordinarily annoying'
Ernst Boekhorst, chairman of the board of directors, the highest managing body within Ajax, said the resignation of three supervisory board members in such a short time has been "extraordinarily annoying".
"As the Ajax board of directors, we naturally agree, and I know that the management feels the same way," Boekhorst told Dutch press agency ANP.
"With the remaining supervisory board members, there is sufficient expertise on board for the coming period to function adequately as a supervisory body. Dirk Anbeek is the vice-chairman and will chair the meetings in that role for the time being."
Rumours of the board members leaving the body prematurely due to disagreements and deteriorating work situations carry no value whatsoever, according to Boekhorst.
"I think it is important to emphasise that relations within and between the supervisory board and the management, among others, are good. The cooperation is pleasant and, above all, constructive. This week's news, therefore, has no negative impact on the day-to-day running of Ajax, nor on its long-term ambitions and direction," said Boekhorst.
"It is now up to the supervisory board to fill the vacancies as soon as possible. In our role, we will actively contribute ideas, provide advice and offer guidance."
