BRIGHTON and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has been nominated for the Executive of the Year Award at The Stadium Business Awards.

The Seagulls boss faces tough competition from West Ham United’s Karen Brady, England Rugby’s Ian Ritchie and San Jose Earthquakes president Dave Kaval.

He said, “I am delighted to be nominated for the award, but feel this nomination is one which is for the club and its workforce, not just me, and is testament to the hard work everyone has put in at the club over the past year and more.”

Ian Nuttall, founder of Stadium Business, added, “The Stadium Business Awards is about recognising leadership, innovation and achievement in the delivery, operation and management of sports facilities globally. Since 2010 we have given awards to some of the top venues from around the world and this year will be no exception.

“Our expert panel have come up with an amazing shortlist of nominees for these categories and while we think it might be tough for the industry to choose who should win.”

Winners will be decided by an international judging panel and announced at a gala awards evening at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on June 1.