Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay scoops SPFL chief executive of year gong from prestigious business awards

Andrew McKinlay has scooped the SPFL CEO of the year award for the second time.

The Hearts chief executive first won the gong in 2022 but has now been confirmed as the man to lift the trophy this year after judges made from Premier League SEO clubs deemed him the worthy winner. McKinlay was ranked top among his peers when it comes to the categories including skill in business, football governance disciplines and CSR.

It remains to be seen whether or not McKinlay - also nominated for the overall CEO of the Year award later this month in London - will lift the second award.

But this afternoon the Jambos were pleased to confirm his victory on their official website. Their statement read: "Hearts continue to scoop accolades on and off the park, with Andrew McKinlay crowned as the SPFL CEO of the Year by the Football Business Awards for the second time.

"Our Chief Executive first won in 2022 after impressing the judges and is set to scoop the prize for Scotland once again.

"Launched in 2012; the Football Business Awards celebrate the very best in football business and recognises the vital influence of work done away from the pitch.

"With a judging panel made up of Chief Executives of Premier League clubs, grassroots organisations, and national associations, the award is judged against several categories.

"This panel of experts rank nominees by their skill in business, CSR and football governance disciplines, with Andrew commended by his peers as top of the class in Scottish football.

"Andrew joined the Hearts board in 2020 following spells at the Scottish FA and Scottish Golf and has helped steer the club through our return to the top flight and subsequent adventures on the European stage.

"Later this month, he'll discover if he's been crowned overall CEO of the Year at the Football Business Awards event in London.

"Congratulations, Andrew!