Weekly Careers Update #21/2026

This week’s FBIN Weekly Careers Update highlights a strong mix of executive appointments, commercial leadership moves and strategic changes across the football industry. From new CEOs and revenue leaders to roles focused on marketing, operations and fan experience, clubs continue to strengthen their structures for future growth on and off the pitch.

Sebastian Jacob joins 1. FC Saarbrücken
Sebastian Jacob has joined 1. FC Saarbrücken as Head of Marketing. He returns to the club in a new off-pitch role after spending seven years as a player at Saarbrücken and most recently serving as Managing Director of Saarland Hurricanes.

Claudio Morelli joins UC Sampdoria
Claudio Morelli has joined UC Sampdoria as CEO Corporate and Board Member. He arrives from Servette FC, where he served as President of the Academy for more than two years, following an 18-year career at Pictet Asset Management in regional sales leadership.

Jonty Castle joins Millwall FC
Jonty Castle has joined Millwall FC as Chief Operating Officer. He arrives from Crystal Palace FC, where he also served as Chief Operations Officer, following previous senior leadership roles at Birmingham City FC, Blackpool FC and AFC Fylde.

Robert Eenhoorn appointed General Director at Feyenoord
Feyenoord have appointed Robert Eenhoorn as General Director, effective 1 July. He previously served as General Director at AZ from 2014 to 2024 and earlier built a career in baseball as a player, coach and sports executive.

Steve Curwood appointed CEO at Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers have appointed Steve Curwood as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July. He joins from Fleetwood Town, where he spent several years contributing to the club’s development, and has also served on the EFL Board and as a Professional Game representative with The FA.

Tom Mahon to leave Burton Albion
Tom Mahon will leave his role as Chief Operating Officer at Burton Albion at the end of July to take up a new opportunity outside of football. During his time with the club, he oversaw growth across matchday experience, retail revenues and operational structures, having previously served as COO at Stockport County and spent almost 15 years at Manchester City FC.

Pepa Marnikas appointed CEO at FC CSKA 1948
FC CSKA 1948 have appointed Pepa Marnikas as Chief Executive Officer. She has been part of the club’s Board of Directors and brings a legal background, including experience as a lawyer and lecturer in areas such as law, personal data protection and anti-corruption policies.

Yacine Sossé Alaoui joins Le Havre AC
Yacine Sossé Alaoui has joined Le Havre AC as Chief Executive Officer. He arrives from OGC Nice, where he served as Director of Strategy & Operations, following previous roles at Olympique de Marseille, FIFA and KPMG Football Benchmark.

Daniel Parker joins Nottingham Forest
Daniel Parker has joined Nottingham Forest as Head of Hospitality Sales. He brings extensive experience in premium sales and hospitality, including previous roles at IMG, Hilton and Southampton FC, where he spent more than six years across hospitality and account management positions.

Newcastle United strengthen executive leadership team
Newcastle United have appointed Graeme Johnson as Chief People Officer, Dave O’Connor as Chief Revenue Officer and Steven Taylor as Chief Marketing Officer. Johnson joins from Merlin Entertainments, O’Connor is co-founder of 18K Sports and previously worked in FIFA’s commercial division, while Taylor has held senior brand and marketing roles at companies including Starwood, Shangri-La, Accor and Hurtigruten.

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