Manchester City Appoints Former Barcelona Chief Soriano as CEO

Former Barcelona Vice-Chairman and CEO Ferran Soriano has been appointed the new Chief Executive officer at Manchester City beginning his role from September 1st.

Ferran has worked for several multinational companies across Europe and America and has more than 20 years of strategic consultancy and executive experience in football, telecommunications, consumer goods and aviation. 

Speaking of the appointment, Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “The process of finding a Chief Executive Officer has been deliberate, far reaching and exhaustive. In Ferran we have our preferred candidate. His experience in football and in the wider commercial world make him exceptionally well equipped to lead Manchester City through its continued evolution.

It is important to recognise and thank the Board, the Executive Leadership Team and in particular, Interim Chief Executive, John MacBeath, for their hard work during the search period.”

Ferran Soriano said: “I am delighted to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Manchester City Football Club. The vision of the owner together with his commitment, and that of the Chairman and Board, make this opportunity absolutely compelling.

“The Club has incredible potential to be fulfilled both on and off the field. I very much look forward to playing my part to ensure that happens.”

During his time at Barcelona, Ferran led and managed the Club’s turnaround from revenues of €123 million ($152m) and losses of €73million ($90m) to €308 million ($380m) revenue and €88 million ($107m) cumulated profit within five years. He also oversaw some of the biggest commercial and media deals in the industry and devised fan acquisition and relationship models and concepts for real estate development.

The announcement follows the appointment of TomGlick in the newly created role of Chief Commercial and Operating Officer. Tom takes up his position from August 20th. Ferran and Tom have been working closely together with senior figures at the football club in order to ensure the smoothest of transitions.