Payoshi Bisht, Pune
Former chief football operations officer at City Football, Omar Berrada has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Manchester United Club. Berrada’s resignation was announced shortly before the United made its decision to hire Berrada as CEO official.
A statement released by the club said “ Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Berrada as its new CEO, the Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do. Omar’s appointment represents the first step on this journey.”
It further read, “As one of the most experienced football executives at the top of European football, Omar brings a wealth of football and commercial expertise, with a proven record of successful leadership and a passion to help lead change across the Club.
“It is our stated ambition to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning club. We are pleased that Omar will be joining us to help achieve that goal, so that, once again, United fans can see, in the words of Sir Matt Busby, the red flag flying high at the summit of English, European and world football. Omar’s start date will be confirmed in due course; in the meantime, Patrick Stewart will continue as interim CEO.”
The former CEO of the club, Richard Arnold decided to step down from his post in November last year as Jim Ratcliffe, founder and owner of INEOS successfully secured 25 percent stake in the club and strengthened its grip. Since then The Red Devils have been without a CEO although General counsel Stewart filled in for the position briefly.
At first it was assumed that Jean Claude Blanc, who is one of the INEOS representatives of the United football club board after their successful acquisition of 25% share in the club, would undertake the role. But, Berrada has gained a significant standing at Manchester City, starting as the club’s commercial director. Later, he transitioned to the position of chief operating officer before assuming the role of chief football operations officer.
United has also stated that Berrada’s commencement date will be confirmed later. It is anticipated that he will begin his responsibilities in the summer, preceding the upcoming season. The team is eager to reclaim its championship under Berrada’s knowledge and leadership in the field.