It's been one Heck of a ride at Villa for Chris!

VILLA president of business operations Chris Heck will leave his position at the end of the season.

- By STEVE WOLLASTON

Heck, who previously worked as president of NBA franchise Philadelphia 76ers, has been in the role at Villa Park for the last two years and helped increase the club's profile off the pitch.

However, he will leave at the end of his contract after deciding to return to the United States to be closer to his family.

“Aston Villa is one of the best clubs in the world, and I am grateful to have had an opportunity to contribute to their success over the past two years,” said Heck.

“From the beginning, we laid out a clear strategic road map, and I am so happy with the unrivalled progress we have made on that plan. In doing so, we have built a world-class team off the pitch to match the one Unai Emery has built on it.

“I am an Aston Villa fan for life and look forward to seeing the club continue to make history.”