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The countdown to the new season is on, and so is the race to strengthen football clubs off the pitch. Here are the latest executive appointments and career moves from this week’s FBIN Weekly Careers Update.
Martin Sahlertz promoted at Brøndby IF
Martin Sahlertz has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer at Brøndby IF after serving as Director of Sales & Business Development for the past two years. Having previously held senior marketing and commercial roles at Dragsholm Slot, madklubben, Visa and Red Bull, he will now oversee the club’s overall commercial strategy, including partnerships, marketing, retail, ticketing, CRM and digital development, with a focus on driving long-term sustainable growth.
Jesse Bergsma joins SC Cambuur
Jesse Bergsma has been appointed Managing Director of SC Cambuur. He joins from Iyuno, where he served as Managing Director for the Netherlands and Belgium, following previous leadership roles in the international media and entertainment industry, including ShortsTV. He succeeds Ard de Graaf, who transitions into the role of Commercial Director at the club.
Willem van der Linden joins Vitesse
Willem van der Linden will leave RKC Waalwijk to become Managing Director of Vitesse. He departs after two years as Managing Director, having previously also served as Commercial Director at the club. Before returning to RKC Waalwijk in 2024, he held leadership roles at Exploria Village and Willy Naessens Nederland.
Paul O’Brien leaves Watford FC
Paul O’Brien has left Watford FC after more than eleven years with the club. During his tenure, he progressed from Head of Sales to Commercial Director and most recently Chief Commercial Officer, helping to lead the club’s commercial operations. Earlier in his career, he held commercial roles at London Irish Rugby Club and London Welsh Rugby Football Club.
Claudia Gatti appointed Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer at Cesena FC
Claudia Gatti has been appointed Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Cesena FC as she begins her fifth season with the club. Having joined Cesena in 2022 as Head of Marketing, she will now oversee both the club’s commercial and marketing activities.
Dominik Kupilas promoted at Werder Bremen
Dominik Kupilas has been promoted to Head of Women’s Football & Internationalisation at Werder Bremen. Having been with the club since 2008, he most recently served as Head of Club-to-Fan (B2C) & Global Business Development, following previous leadership roles across business development, digital and content. In his new role, he will oversee the club’s women’s football operations and internationalisation strategy.
Are you looking for a new challenge or is your club/organisation searching for qualified employees?
Would you like to see your recent HR/personnel news in our weekly Careers Update?
Then let us know at: enzo@footballbusinessinside.com
