Gillingham have appointed Joe Comper as their new managing director.

It’s a step up for the popular Comper who has been director of operations at Priestfield for the past 10 months having previously been head of commercial.

Comper’s new role will mean he now oversees football operations, working closely with director of football Kenny Jackett, alongside his previous responsibility for the club’s non-football operations.

Gillingham chairman Brad Galinson said: “I know Joe can, and will, have a positive impact on running the business of football and helping solidify its strategy and process - just like he has done off the pitch.

“He’s a collaborator and a team player. I am looking forward to Joe bringing together the football and non-football sides of the Club. This is one company.

“Joe understands my vision and I know he can help us realise that by bringing all departments under a single umbrella with a single culture.”

Gillingham have enjoyed the highest level of season-ticket sales in the club’s history and the commercial team has tripled sponsorship and advertising revenue in the past year while improvements have also been made to the fan matchday experience along with the opening of a new club shop.

Mr Comper said: “I am excited for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the football side of the business.

“It is time to bring the football and non-football areas of the Club together with a common sense of transparency and personality.

“I have worked with Brad and Shannon for some time now. I know what they want and how to communicate with them.

“Over the last few months I have built a great relationship with Stephen (Clemence, manager) and Robbie (Stockdale, assistant manager) and I look forward to seeing what we can do.

“Additionally, we are in the midst of an investment into larger and more complex data analytics tools and personnel for recruiting which will need to be incorporated under this newly consolidated organisation.”