Weekly Careers Update #32/2026

Careers rarely move in a straight line. This week brings internal promotions, a return to familiar surroundings, new international appointments and the end of several long-standing chapters across football organisations in Europe and the United States.

Bobby Copping promoted at Lincoln City
Bobby Copping has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Lincoln City after joining the club as Head of Commercial in July 2025. He will oversee partnerships, marketing and communications, digital, ticketing, retail and fan engagement. A former professional footballer, Copping moved into the commercial side of the game after retiring from playing at 19.

Daniel Seaborne takes on new role at Lincoln City
Daniel Seaborne has become Chief Operating Officer at Lincoln City, having joined the club as Chief Operations Officer in November 2025. He will oversee operations, safety, hospitality and events. Seaborne previously had a 13-year professional playing career and later gained experience in the hospitality industry.

George Parr departs Bologna FC 1909
George Parr has left Bologna FC 1909 after 18 months working in Strategy & Insights. In the role, he contributed to the development of the club’s commercial strategy and insights function. Parr previously worked as Campaigns Executive at Mike Burton Group and founded Signature Sports Marketing, with his next move yet to be announced.

Mattijs Manders to depart Lommel SK
Mattijs Manders will leave his role as Chief Executive Officer of Lommel SK after two seasons, also ending his time with City Football Group. He joined the Belgian club in October 2024 after serving as CEO of ESTAC Troyes and CFG China. Manders previously held CEO positions at NAC Breda, Eredivisie CV and ADO Den Haag.

Brendan Hankard promoted at Rhode Island FC
Brendan Hankard has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer at Rhode Island FC after previously serving as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. He will lead the club’s corporate partnerships and ticket sales and service departments. Before joining Rhode Island in 2024, Hankard spent more than 17 years with the Boston Red Sox in premium sales, service and hospitality roles.

Georg Hochedlinger returns to LASK
Georg Hochedlinger has returned to LASK as Business Partnerships Manager, focusing on the development of new sponsorship partnerships. He previously worked for the club between 2017 and 2024 in communications, team management and sales roles. Hochedlinger most recently served as Director of Marketing & Sales at TSV 1860 München.

Finn Van der Kaa promoted at K. Beerschot V.A.
Finn Van der Kaa has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at K. Beerschot V.A., effective 1 August 2026. He will oversee the further development of the club’s operations, including processes, safety, infrastructure, IT and sustainability. Van der Kaa has worked at Beerschot for nine seasons, holding roles across marketing, ticketing, events, academy development and operations.

Paul O’Brien joins Crystal Palace
Paul O’Brien has joined Crystal Palace as Chief Commercial Officer following 11 years at Watford FC. He joined Watford as Head of Sales in 2015 before progressing to Commercial Director and, most recently, Chief Commercial Officer. Earlier in his career, O’Brien held commercial roles at London Irish and London Welsh.

Jamie-Leigh Matheson to depart Blackpool FC
Jamie-Leigh Matheson will leave her role as Head of Hospitality, Conference & Events at Blackpool FC after four years with the club. She joined as Venue Sales Manager in September 2022 and was promoted to her current position in March 2025. Matheson has confirmed that she will take on a new opportunity but has not yet disclosed further details.

James Taylor joins West Ham United
James Taylor has joined West Ham United as Chief Financial Officer, subject to the usual approvals. He moves from Rangers, where he held the same position for almost three years. Taylor previously served as CFO at Zonal Retail Data Systems and Yoyo and held senior finance roles at Mastercard.

Malte Gützlaff promoted at 1. FC Union Berlin
Malte Gützlaff has been promoted to Head of Marketing at 1. FC Union Berlin. He joined the club in October 2022 as Head of Online Marketing & E-Commerce before also taking responsibility for retail sales in July 2024. Before joining Union, Gützlaff co-founded sleep.ink and led its marketing activities.

Miguel Alegre Plumed joins Levante UD
Miguel Alegre Plumed has joined Levante UD as Head of Marketing & Commercial. He will oversee the club’s commercial strategy across sponsorship, ticketing, hospitality, retail, venues and events. Alegre previously served as Head of Partnerships at Roig Arena after spending four years in international business and commercial development roles at Valencia CF.

Tim Kilpatrick departs Reading FC
Tim Kilpatrick has left Reading FC after nearly eight years with the club, most recently serving as Chief Revenue Officer. He previously spent almost seven years as Head of Commercial before moving into his final role in May 2025. Kilpatrick plans to take a break before pursuing his next career opportunity.

Alex Rasmussen joins Como 1907
Alex Rasmussen has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer of Como 1907. He will lead the club’s commercial strategy, with a focus on long-term partnerships and international growth. Rasmussen joins after more than two years at Ferrari and previously held commercial roles at AC Milan and F.C. København.

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