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Football clubs and organizations continue to evolve! Swansea City FC and Burton Albion FC make leadership changes, while TSG Hoffenheim and the Australian Professional Leagues focus on digital transformation and governance. Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati and Real Valladolid see notable departures as they prepare for the future.
Matthieu Fenaert leaves Real Valladolid
Matthieu Fenaert has decided to step down as CEO of Real Valladolid after more than five years in the role. He originally joined the club in 2018 as Head of Business Development before being appointed CEO in 2019. While stepping away from his executive duties, Fenaert will remain on the club’s Board of Directors as he embarks on a new path for personal reasons.
Swansea City appoints Tom Gorringe
Tom Gorringe has joined Swansea City as Chief Operating Officer as part of the club’s leadership restructuring. He previously spent over six years at Bristol Rovers, where he progressed from Commercial Director to CEO. Before that, he held senior roles at Brighton & Hove Albion and Cardiff City. Gorringe brings extensive experience in football operations, commercial growth, and fan engagement.
Brad McDonough leaves FC Cincinnati
Brad McDonough has left FC Cincinnati after eight years with the club. He joined in 2017 and most recently served as Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships. During his time with the club, he was part of major milestones, including FC Cincinnati’s MLS announcement, the team’s league debut, the opening of TQL Stadium, and winning the 2023 Supporters’ Shield. McDonough has hinted that his next chapter will keep him in Cincinnati, with more details to come.
Andrew Whitham joins Burton Albion FC
Andrew Whitham has joined Burton Albion FC as Head of Commercial. He moves from Lincoln City FC, where he spent over five years in various commercial leadership roles, most recently as Director of Sales. At Burton Albion FC, he will lead the club’s commercial team, focusing on building partnerships and strengthening connections with supporters.
TSG Hoffenheim appoints Melanie Fichtner
TSG Hoffenheim has named Melanie Fichtner as Managing Director of IT & Digital. She joins from BayWa AG, where she held a similar role. At Hoffenheim, she will drive the club’s IT and digitalization strategy, aligning it with the needs of a modern and ambitious Bundesliga club. Her experience in IT and digital platform implementation will also help enhance the club’s digital fan experience and strengthen engagement with partners.
Australian Professional Leagues appoints Stephen Conroy
Stephen Conroy has been appointed Executive Chair of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) after the departure of league commissioner Nick Garcia. The former federal senator, who had been serving as APL Chairman, will now lead the final phase of the organization’s transformation. Once this process is complete, he will return to his Non-Executive role. This move comes as the A-Leagues experience growth, with men’s league attendance up 14% and free-to-air TV audiences increasing by over 15% this season.
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