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This week’s edition highlights a mix of new beginnings and farewells across the football business landscape, with moves spanning countries including Germany, England and Spain, among others.
Dirk Schlünz to lead Deutsche Sport Marketing
Dirk Schlünz will become Managing Director of Deutsche Sport Marketing in summer 2026, succeeding Claudia Wagner. He most recently served as Managing Director of 1. FC Nürnberg Marketing GmbH, where he was responsible for the club’s marketing and commercial activities. Prior to that, he played a key role in establishing FC St. Pauli’s in-house marketing operations and held various management positions at SPORTFIVE.
Leonie Hauptvogel takes on new role at VfL Bochum
Leonie Hauptvogel has taken on the role of Head of Social Engagement & Innovation at VfL Bochum 1848. She previously worked at the club as Project Manager and Advisor for Sustainability, contributing to the development of the club’s sustainability and social impact initiatives.
Birmingham City strengthens leadership team with key appointments
Birmingham City has appointed Liam MacManus as Chief Marketing Officer and Andrew Rudd as Chief Financial Officer, while John Clarke has taken on the role of Chief Communications Officer.
MacManus joins from Manchester United, where he held senior marketing and partnerships roles, while Rudd also arrives from Manchester United, having served as Commercial Finance Director. Clarke steps into his new position after previously serving as Chief Fan Experience Officer at the club.
Natalia Seoane joins RCD Mallorca
Natalia Seoane has joined RCD Mallorca as Director of Events. She brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality and asset management sector, having spent her entire career at Meliá Hotels International in senior roles across several flagship properties. Most recently, she was involved in the development and positioning of the Palau de Congressos de Palma and the Meliá Palma Bay hotel complex.
Pedro Iriondo appointed CEO at FC Badalona Women
Pedro Iriondo has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of FC Badalona Women following the club’s majority investment by Mercury13. He most recently served as Managing Director at Football Benchmark and previously held roles as a consultant at FIFA. Earlier in his career, he spent over two years at Olympique de Marseille as Deputy General Manager and Board Member, as well as General Manager for Women’s Football.
Nicklas Lauwell to become Club Director at IFK Göteborg
Nicklas Lauwell will take on the role of Club Director at IFK Göteborg this summer. He joins from Duni Group, where he serves as Chief Officer and member of the executive management team, and brings extensive leadership experience from international and commercial organisations, as well as involvement in Swedish football through various roles within the sport’s ecosystem.
Elizabeth Lee Cohen appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Major League Soccer
Elizabeth Lee Cohen has been appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Major League Soccer. She has been with the league for over 12 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Intelligence, and previously holding roles including Vice President, Strategic Planning and Director of Finance.
James Smallwood joins Salford City FC
James Smallwood has joined Salford City FC as Head of Principal Partnerships. He moves from Aston Villa, where he spent over five years in partnership roles, most recently as Head of Partnerships – Retail Partners, having also previously worked at Manchester United and Addison Global.
Nils Mackay joins Como 1907
Nils Mackay has joined Como 1907 as Senior Data Scientist after over eight years at Stats Perform (Opta), where he most recently served as Data Science Manager and previously held roles as Senior Data Scientist and Data Scientist.
Luke Baker joins AC Milan
Luke Baker has joined AC Milan as Senior Commercial Director. He moves from Manchester United, where he spent nearly nine years in partnership roles, most recently as Director, Principal Partnerships, and previously held positions at Apple, Kargo and Microsoft.
Sven von Polheim to depart 1. FC Köln
Sven von Polheim will depart his role as Director Digital Infrastructure & Platforms at 1. FC Köln after more than three years at the club. He played a key role in building the club’s digital foundation and driving its transformation, having previously founded Dynamo Partners and worked as an investor in data and technology-focused ventures.
Marcel van den Bunder to depart FC Eindhoven
Marcel van den Bunder will depart his role as Commercial Manager at FC Eindhoven at the end of the season after five years at the club. During his time, he played a key role in developing the club’s commercial activities, partnerships, events and hospitality offering.
Christian Seiffert to join Karlsruher SC
Christian Seiffert will join Karlsruher SC as Director Infrastructure & Stadium Operations from 1 July 2026, succeeding Fabian Rimoldi. He brings extensive experience in infrastructure and stadium operations and will support the club’s organisational and structural development.
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