Ryan Reynolds Wrexham departure statement follows abrupt CEO exit
The co-owners broke their silence hours before kickoff, but their joint message left the true reason behind the sudden front-office shakeup unanswered.
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney released a joint statement following the abrupt departure of Chief Executive Officer Michael Williamson, who left the Welsh club with immediate effect on Friday afternoon, November 6.
The announcement came just hours before Reynolds landed in Wales to attend Wrexham’s home Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the STōK Cae Ras, also known as the Racecourse Ground, on Saturday, November 7, as reported by Wales Online and Leader Live.
What the owners said
In an official club statement, Reynolds and McElhenney confirmed that club director Shaun Harvey has stepped in as acting chief executive with immediate effect.
“We thank Michael Williamson for his two years at Wrexham and for his work taking the club from League 1 to the Championship,” Reynolds and McElhenney said in the joint statement, which was published by outlets including North Wales Live.
“Since our takeover five years ago, Wrexham have had historic success on the pitch and won hearts all over the globe. We remain focused on our most important task: to make the Wrexham community proud,” the co-chairmen added.
They also backed Harvey to maintain stability across the club’s operations. “Shaun Harvey has been an integral part of this journey from the beginning, and we know Shaun will give every support to Phil Parkinson and the lads on the pitch while keeping the broader Wrexham community roaring us on.”
Turbulence behind the scenes
Williamson joined Wrexham as chief executive in May 2024 to succeed Fleur Robinson, arriving with an executive resume that included senior positions at Inter Milan, D.C. United, and Miami FC. In November 2025, he was named Football Industry Leader of the Year at the Global Football Industry Awards.
His exit follows several changes and challenges for Wrexham off the pitch this autumn. In September 2026, former executive director Humphrey Ker stepped down from the club board after five years. The following month, the English Football League fined Wrexham £75,000 for fielding ineligible players in matchday squads.
Harvey, who has advised Reynolds and McElhenney since their takeover in February 2021 and joined the board of directors in December 2023, brings extensive league experience to the interim post. He previously served as chief executive of the EFL from 2013 to 2019 and previously held the chief executive role at Leeds United.
How supporters reacted
Supporters shared surprise and unease on social media regarding the sudden leadership shake-up, according to reports from Wales Online and City A.M.
Supporter Tony Whilding wrote on X, as quoted by Wales Online: “Humphrey leaving with not acknowledging the owners. Club fined for putting unregistered players in squads. Worst couple of windows post takeover, something ain’t right.”
What we know and what we do not know yet
On the pitch, Wrexham entered Saturday’s fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 16th place in the Championship table, coming off a 2-0 home victory against league leaders Middlesbrough on Wednesday, November 4.
What remains unknown is the underlying reason behind Williamson’s sudden departure. The official announcement from the club and the owners did not disclose a reason for his immediate exit.
The club has also not stated whether Williamson has accepted a role elsewhere or how long Harvey will serve as acting chief executive before a permanent successor is selected.
