Mansfield Town have appointed director of football David Sharpe as the club’s new chief executive officer.

The former Wigan Athletic chairman has made an instant impact at One Call Stadium since being unveiled as the club’s director of football in May and will now take overall responsibility for the club’s day-to-day operations.

The 29-year-old becomes the youngest chief executive in professional football, succeeding Carolyn Radford – who has undertaken the position of co-chairwoman – following nine years in the role, and is now the youngest person in professional football to hold the position of co-chairwoman.

In a joint statement, chairman John Radford and co-chairwoman Carolyn Radford said: “We both love Mansfield Town Football Club and are determined to make this club thrive and prosper.

“Therefore, it is paramount that we have someone at One Call Stadium day-in-day-out to drive the club and its staff forward.

“Unfortunately we are not in a position to be at the club on a daily basis, but for us to appoint such a capable leader in David Sharpe is a real coup.

“We’ve known David for a number of years. His work ethic and integrity are second-to-none; he has first-hand experience in a similar role at Wigan Athletic and has an exceptional knowledge of the industry.

“We have seen the impact he has had in his first few months here and we will provide leadership, direction and enhance standards within every area of Mansfield Town Football Club.”

David said: “First of all, it’s an honour and a privilege to be appointed as the chief executive of our great football club.

“I’d like to thank the chairman and Carolyn for this opportunity and the trust they have placed in me.

“From day one of walking into One Call Stadium, I have seen what a special club this is, and I will give my utmost to improve every area of the football club, building further upon the great work from the chairman and Carolyn.

“I look forward to meeting our loyal supporters at the appropriate time and we all hope to give you a season of which you will be proud.”