Sheffield Wednesday names Nick Parker chief executive

LONDON (Reuters) - Sheffield Wednesday said it had appointed a new chief executive and chairman and that discussions to secure new investment remained on schedule.

The Yorkshire club appointed as CEO Nick Parker, who joined its board in December and who is the former chief financial officer of Dyson Group Plc. Lee Strafford, who also joined the board that month, will become the chairman, the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

"These appointments will provide a clear leadership structure for the company and its stakeholders as well as certainty over its future direction," it said. In December, Wednesday said CEO Kaven Walker had left and that it was in talks with investors, shareholders and the Co-operative Bank to support its long-term business plans.

The club, which plays in Britain's second league, said in December it hoped to finish financial negotiations by the end of March, 2009.

(Reporting by Catherine Bosley; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)