This week’s update highlights executive appointments and strategic shifts at clubs and federations across Europe. From leadership roles in Sweden and Italy to new positions in marketing, operations, and communication, the latest moves reflect the wide scope of talent shaping the football business.
Olivia Hanvey takes on new role at Stockport County FC
Olivia Hanvey has been appointed Commercial Operations Director at Stockport County FC. She steps into the role after previously serving as Commercial Director and, before that, as Head of Commercial and Supporter Services at the club. Hanvey brings more than a decade of experience in football operations, including roles at Manchester City, Preston North End, and Leeds United. Her new position continues a long-standing commitment to the commercial side of English football.
Törles Sommer leaves FC Augsburg
Törles Sommer has announced his departure from FC Augsburg after 13 years at the club. Starting as a ticketing and administration intern in 2011, he went on to take on various roles in CRM, fan relations, and sales control. Over the years, he contributed to several key milestones including Bundesliga promotion, memorable survival campaigns, and the club’s European appearances. His departure marks the end of a long and formative chapter, as he now looks ahead to new professional opportunities in the Munich-Augsburg region.
Marcus Wendel leaves TSG Hoffenheim
Marcus Wendel has stepped down from his role as Head of Marketing at TSG Hoffenheim after nearly a year and a half at the club. He joined the Bundesliga side in late 2023 following senior leadership positions in marketing and brand strategy, including roles at Warsteiner and Red Bull. In his departure, Wendel highlighted the values of creativity, collaboration and pioneering spirit that shaped his time at Hoffenheim. He now closes his Bundesliga chapter and looks ahead to new professional challenges.
Rodrigo Ribeiro joins Portuguese Football Federation
Rodrigo Ribeiro has joined the Portuguese Football Federation as Strategic Planning Analyst. Prior to this, he worked as Project Manager at NewC Sport, where he contributed to digital strategies aimed at improving club operations and fan engagement. His previous roles include consulting and analysis positions with Liga Portugal and Instinct, with a focus on strategic planning and audience development. The new role marks his next step within the Portuguese football ecosystem.
Thomas E. Herrich to leave Hertha BSC
Thomas E. Herrich will step down as Managing Director of Hertha BSC at the end of the 2024/25 season. He has been with the club since 2005, holding various leadership positions before being appointed Managing Director in 2022 and spokesperson for the board in 2024. The decision to part ways was made by mutual agreement with the presidium following discussions about the club’s future direction.
Jonty Castle joins Crystal Palace FC
Jonty Castle has taken on the role of Chief Operations Officer at Crystal Palace FC. He previously served as Chief Commercial & Operations Officer at Birmingham City FC and held senior executive roles at Blackpool FC and AFC Fylde. His experience spans club operations, revenue strategy, and commercial development across multiple tiers of English football.
Emanuele Floridi joins S.S. Lazio
Emanuele Floridi has taken on the role of Head of Strategy and Organization of Communication at S.S. Lazio. He brings extensive experience from his long-standing consultancy work in public affairs and crisis management, with a focus on media, politics, sport, and finance. Floridi has also co-founded the football fan engagement platform Starcks and previously held roles at EY and Datamedia Ricerche.
André Skagervik appointed Managing Director of IFK Norrköping
André Skagervik has been officially appointed Managing Director of IFK Norrköping after serving in the role on an interim basis. The board highlighted his standout background and the early impact he made in leading an ongoing organisational transformation. Skagervik brings extensive experience in brand strategy, communications, and business development from leadership roles at companies such as Holmen Paper and Ottobock, as well as his own consultancy. He now takes on the role permanently, with a focus on financial sustainability, sporting alignment, and continued structural development.
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