- Brighton have confirmed that Jason Ayto has joined the club as sporting director.
The appointment follows the departure of David Weir as technical director last week after seven years with the Seagulls.
Ayto left Arsenal at the end of last season after holding several technical roles, including assistant sporting director to Edu, during more than a decade with the Gunners.
He was promoted to the role of interim sporting director at Arsenal last November following Edu’s departure, having previously working in a senior role in academy recruitment at Norwich City.
“I’m honoured to be appointed sporting director at Brighton & Hove Albion and I’m very grateful to Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and the board for this opportunity,” he said.
“This is a special club, admired across the footballing world for its culture, ambition and smart thinking, all of which has underpinned some remarkable progress in recent years.
“To be joining at a time when there is such a strong desire to build on those excellent foundations, innovate further, and bring success is incredibly exciting.”
Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber added: “We are all very much looking forward to working with one of the most talented young sporting directors in the country.”
Meanwhile, Brighton assistant technical director Mike Cave has been promoted to the role of technical director.