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From Valencia to Brisbane and from Slovakia to England, this week’s lineup features seven notable moves across club management, marketing, and leadership. These transitions highlight how clubs around the world are reinforcing their off-pitch operations to align with growing ambitions and fan expectations.
Joseph Esposito joins Brisbane Roar FC
Joseph Esposito has been named Head of PR & Communications at Brisbane Roar FC. He joins the A-League club after nearly two years as PR & Media Executive at the A-Leagues, bringing experience in media relations, content strategy, and fan engagement from roles across Australian football, including Football NSW and Northcote City FC.
Matt McKie joins Stockport County FC
Matt McKie has been appointed Non-Executive Director at Stockport County FC. He brings extensive leadership experience from senior roles at EA Sports FIFA, Nike, the International Olympic Committee, and Manchester United. McKie’s focus will be on enhancing the club’s brand, marketing, and digital operations, as well as driving commercial revenue growth. In addition to his board responsibilities, he will oversee several growth-focused projects and provide mentorship to the club’s marketing and commercial staff.
Hannah Forshaw to lead Everton Women
Hannah Forshaw has been appointed CEO of Everton Women, starting with the 2025/26 Barclays WSL season. She brings leadership experience from The Jockey Club, where she was COO, and from Liverpool FC, where she served as Vice President of Operations. Forshaw will oversee the strategic development of Everton Women as Goodison Park becomes the team’s new home.
Mathew Newton departs Hibernian FC
Mathew Newton has left his position as Head of Digital & Content at Hibernian FC after four years. During his tenure, he led a comprehensive digital transformation at the club, overseeing record-breaking social media growth, new digital platforms, and award-winning content production. Prior to his time at Hibernian FC, Newton held roles at Leicester City, Celtic, Hull FC, and Hull Kingston Rovers, building over a decade of experience in football and sports media.
Ron Gourlay to lead football operations at Valencia CF
Ron Gourlay has been appointed as the new CEO of Football at Valencia CF. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience from roles at Manchester United, Chelsea FC, West Bromwich Albion, and Al-Ahli FC. His appointment reflects Valencia’s ambition to modernise its structure and return to the top of European football. Gourlay will oversee football operations and work closely with head coach Carlos Corberán, as Valencia prepares for the 2025/26 season.
Ľuboš Sarnovský joins FC Tatran Prešov
Ľuboš Sarnovský has joined FC Tatran Prešov as Interim Senior Marketing & Sponsorship Manager. He brings experience in marketing, sponsorship, and commercial development from previous leadership positions, including at FC Spartak Trnava, the Slovak Floorball Federation, and the Slovak Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport.
David Ray appointed CEO at Bolton Wanderers
David Ray has been named Chief Executive Officer at Bolton Wanderers FC. He joins the club in July after five years at Plymouth Argyle, where he played a key role in the club’s executive team. Ray brings a collaborative leadership style and experience in financial strategy, football operations, and community engagement.
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