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This week features a wide range of moves across the football industry – from executive appointments to internal promotions and strategic exits. Here’s what’s been happening on the business side of the game this week.
Henning Bindzus joins Hannover 96
Henning Bindzus has been appointed Managing Director Commercial of Hannover 96 GmbH & Co. KGaA. He brings extensive experience in football management, commercial operations and brand strategy, having served as Authorized Representative and Director of Business Relations, Brand and Marketing at Hamburger SV until the end of 2020. Following his time in Hamburg, he advised clubs and companies through his consultancy “THINK ABOUT SPORTS” and also most recently acted as an advisor for FBIN. At Hannover 96, he will lead the club’s operations alongside Markus Mann, who has been Sporting Director since 2021 and will now oversee the sporting side as Managing Director Sport.
Tancredi Vitale and Giorgio Francia join Venezia FC
Venezia FC has appointed Tancredi Vitale as Managing Director and Giorgio Francia as Finance Director and GM Corporate. With these additions, the club aims to strengthen its executive leadership and support its long-term development strategy. Vitale brings extensive experience from leadership roles in sports marketing and consulting, while Francia has held senior finance positions across various industries. Both will work closely with Sporting Director Filippo Antonelli as part of the club’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainable and competitive growth.
Alexander Vantyghem joins Royal Belgian FA
Alexander Vantyghem has been appointed Legal, Compliance & Competitions Director at the Royal Belgian Football Association. He most recently served as CEO of Cercle Brugge KSV, where he previously also held the role of General Counsel. Earlier in his career, he worked as a sports lawyer for ALTIUS and ATFIELD Sports Law and lectured at IFBI.
Jamie-Leigh Matheson promoted at Blackpool FC
Jamie-Leigh Matheson has been promoted to Head of Hospitality, Conference & Events at Blackpool Football Club. She has been with the club since 2022, most recently serving as Venue Sales Manager, where she played a key role in expanding the non-matchday business. Prior to joining Blackpool FC, she held sales and event coordination roles at Village Hotels and Interstate Hotels & Resorts. In her new role, she will lead the club’s hospitality and events strategy across matchday and non-matchday operations.
Alan McTavish leaves Everton FC
Alan McTavish has left Everton Football Club after more than nine years with the organisation. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Everton Women, having previously held roles as Managing Director and, earlier, as Commercial Director for the men’s side. Before joining Everton, he worked in commercial leadership roles at Watford FC. In addition to his executive duties, McTavish was also a long-time Trustee of Everton in the Community.
Aaron Duckmanton joins Everton FC
Aaron Duckmanton has been appointed Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at Everton FC. He joins from Crystal Palace, where he briefly served as Chief Marketing Officer, and previously held senior marketing roles at Leeds United and Grabyo. At Everton, he will be part of the expanded executive leadership team, focusing on driving the club’s digital engagement and brand strategy. Duckmanton brings over a decade of experience in digital, content and marketing leadership within football and media.
Frederik De Vuyst promoted at Cercle Brugge KSV
Frederik De Vuyst has been promoted to B2B Hospitality, Events & Partnership Manager at Cercle Brugge KSV. He has been with the club since early 2023, previously working as Key Account Manager. Before joining Cercle Brugge, he held account management roles at Geronimo Productions and BrightBoard, focusing on sales and event management. In his new role, De Vuyst will oversee business hospitality operations and partnerships at the club’s corporate facilities.
Francesca Montini joins AC Milan
Francesca Montini has been appointed Chief Brand Officer at AC Milan. In her new role, she will be responsible for brand development, marketing, digital strategy, and fan engagement on a global level. Montini brings extensive experience from international consumer brands and will support the club’s continued growth and positioning efforts worldwide.
Tom Gorringe promoted at Swansea City
Tom Gorringe has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer at Swansea City. He joined the club as Chief Operating Officer earlier this year and brings over 15 years of experience in professional football, including roles at Brighton & Hove Albion and as CEO at Bristol Rovers. In his new position, Gorringe will oversee the club’s day-to-day operations and aims to drive sustainable success.
Susan Black to leave Liverpool FC
Susan Black will step down as Director of Communications at Liverpool FC at the end of the season, concluding 14 years in senior roles across the club, including as Executive Director and Board Member of Liverpool FC Women and Board Member of the Liverpool FC Foundation. A key figure within the Executive Team, she has played a central role in shaping communications and stakeholder engagement across the organisation. From 1 June 2025, Craig Evans, currently VP Communications, will take over her responsibilities as SVP Communications.
Liam Feeney joins Coventry City FC
Liam Feeney has started a new role as Hospitality Executive at Coventry City Football Club. He most recently worked as B2B Sales Executive at Wolves and previously held roles in sales and marketing at Lincoln City FC and Drogheda United. Feeney brings experience across matchday hospitality, group bookings, and digital media, with a background in both the English and Irish football markets.
Mark Davies joins Milton Keynes Dons
Mark Davies has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Milton Keynes Dons Football Club. He brings extensive experience in commercial strategy and revenue generation, having most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at Leicester Tigers. Prior to that, he held senior commercial roles at Pitch International, Swansea City, and Leicester City. Davies will now lead MK Dons’ commercial operations and partnership development efforts.
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