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The next FBIN Careers Update is here with another round of leadership moves across the global football industry. This week’s edition features new executive appointments, strategic roles and career changes across clubs, leagues and organisations worldwide.
Saoed Habieb takes on new role at Eredivisie CV
After more than five years in digital and database marketing, Saoed Habieb has started a new position as Partnership Manager at Eredivisie CV. Having played a key role in the development of the league’s digital platforms and fan engagement strategy, he now shifts focus to partnerships as part of the organisation’s expanding commercial structure. Earlier in his career, he held roles in marketing and events at de Doelen and Feyenoord.
Darko Podnar takes over as CEO at NK Karlovac 1919
Darko Podnar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at NK Karlovac 1919. He previously served on the management boards of GNK Dinamo and NK Istra 1961, and is currently a member of the Croatian Football Federation’s marketing committee.
Ritchie Bates promoted to CEO at Bristol Rovers
Ritchie Bates has been named Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Rovers after joining the club as Director of Commercial in 2024. His previous EFL experience includes senior commercial roles at Port Vale, Lincoln City and Macclesfield Town.
Albert Castelló takes on new role at City Football Group
Albert Castelló has stepped into the role of Head of Partnerships Strategy & Planning at City Football Group. He continues his work within the organisation, having previously served as Partnerships Lead and as Senior Project Manager for clubs across Europe, LATAM and beyond. Before joining City Football Group, he spent nearly five years as LaLiga’s Delegate in Brazil.
Ben Kensell leaves Luton Town
Ben Kensell has exited his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Luton Town after nine months with the club. He previously served as CEO of Hibernian FC and held senior commercial positions at Norwich City, Charlton Athletic and Arsenal. Kensell brings two decades of football business experience across revenue, operations and leadership.
Anthony Richens takes on COO role at Norwich City
Norwich City have promoted Anthony Richens to Chief Operating Officer. Richens has been with the club since 2020, previously serving as Finance Director and most recently as Finance & Operations Director. Back then he joined from MK Dons, where he was Group Finance Director for nearly five years.
Denni Strich joins Waldhof Mannheim
Denni Strich has joined SV Waldhof Mannheim 07 as a member of the executive management team, taking on responsibility for marketing and sales. He brings extensive leadership experience from his time as Managing Director at TSG Hoffenheim, and from over 17 years at the German Football Association (DFB), where he held key roles including Director of Marketing and Managing Director of DFB GmbH.
Wojciech Pańczyk joins Legia Warsaw
Wojciech Pańczyk has been appointed Director of Marketing and Communications at Legia Warsaw. He brings over two decades of experience in sport and event marketing, having spent more than 20 years at Red Bull Poland in various roles, most recently as National Sport Marketing Manager. Prior to that, he held roles in PR and journalism, including positions at Leo Burnett Group and Dziennik Wschodni.
Martin Kugeler joins Football Australia
Martin Kugeler will become the new Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, starting on 16 February. He spent over a decade at streaming platform Stan, where he most recently served as CEO. Prior to that, he held executive roles at Bertelsmann, Pacific Strategy Partners, and Venture Consulting.
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