AFTER A series of postponements, the much-awaited chief executive officer (CEO) of Asante Kotoko is expected to be inaugurated, this week, reports Isaac Franklin.

According to the club?s board sources, Kotoko?s CEO would be named, as soon as Otumfuo Osei Tutu II okays the board?s nominee. Although board members are tight-lipped over the likely successor to the immediate past CEO, Major (rtd) Lawrence Larson, impeccable information indicates that, the enviable position beckons Mr. Jerry Asare. In spite of intense lobbying by some CEO aspirants, the former Accra representative has stayed ahead of his opponents. Mr. Asare, a former Accra representative of the Porcupine Warriors, is most cherished for his immense support for the club.

The ex-Accra representative made a number of contributions to Kotoko, during its quest for the 2003 Premiership title.

And when he emerged the club?s representative in Major Larson?s regime, he supported the club, financially, timeless, particularly in times when Kotoko was in tight corner. So far, Mr. Jerry Asare has invested over ?400 million in the club, in view of his love for the club.

With his marketing acumen, Mr. Jerry Asare has gotten a majority vote, following the Kotoko board?s thorough scrutiny of the applicants. The ex-Accra representative, who commands the largest support from the club followers (the Circles), is a true Kotoko member, financially-sound, and has the requisite managerial skills.

Besides those qualities, he possesses the relevant administrative expertise, and has a solid educational background. Mr. Asare is expected to take charge of Kotoko, and would work alongside the existing IMT.

The motive is to ensure a smooth transition, which would prevent a recurrence of the past bitterness, between successors and predecessors. For the time being, the club has shifted from the scheme of depending on beneficiaries, who were appointed to take charge of Kotoko.