Ajax Supervisory Board Hit with Third Departure in Three Weeks

Ajax in Turmoil 

Ajax's supervisory board faces further turmoil with the departure of chairwoman Carolien Gehrels, marking the third exit in three weeks.

“I think it is important to emphasise that relations within and between the supervisory board and the management, among others...”

Carolien Gehrels has stepped down as chairwoman of Ajax's supervisory board with immediate effect, marking the third departure from the board in just three weeks. Gehrels cited the substantial time commitment required for the role as the reason for her decision, which is incompatible with her other professional responsibilities. She had been serving as chairwoman since February 2025.

Former Champions League winner Danny Blind and Hermine Voute have also left the supervisory board recently. Blind stepped down on September 5th, while Voute departed on September 22nd, having joined the board in December 2024. Their terms were set to run until 2027 and 2026, respectively.

The departure of these three members has raised concerns about the stability and future of the club. However, according to Ernst Boekhorst, chairman of the board of directors, the cooperation between the supervisory board and the management remains constructive. The search for suitable replacements for the departed board members will begin shortly, with a nomination to be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders once a suitable candidate is identified.

Bart Gehrels, along with Daley Blind and Sophie Voute, will continue to serve on the supervisory board until suitable replacements are identified and appointed.

“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.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Carolien Gehrels is immediately stepping down from her role as member and chair of the Supervisory Board at Ajax. She had held this position since February of this year. Her role at Ajax could no longer be combined with her work in the business sector. #Ajax pic.twitter.com/2jPAeY5Byy

— Inside020 (@Inside_020) September 25, 2025

Ajax Supervisory Board Shake-Up

Ernst Boekhorst, chairman of Ajax's board of directors, expressed his disappointment over the recent resignations of three supervisory board members, describing it as “extraordinarily annoying” or “buitengewoon vervelend” in Dutch. He emphasized that the board of directors and management share his frustration. Despite these departures, Boekhorst assured that the cooperation between the board and management remains constructive. The supervisory board currently has two members, with Dirk Anbeek, the vice-chairman, set to chair meetings moving forward.

Denial of Rumors

Ernst Boekhorst dismissed rumors of board members leaving due to disagreements or work-related issues, stating they hold no value.

“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.”