Manchester United revealed further adjustments to its executive team as the club continues to evolve under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. The current interim CEO, Patrick Stewart, and chief financial officer, Cliff Baty, will both be stepping down at the end of the season, according to a mutual agreement.
Jean-Claude Blanc, who currently serves as the CEO of Ratcliffe’s INEOS Sport, will temporarily assume the role of chief executive until Omar Berrada, a former executive from Manchester City, officially takes over on July 13th. Additionally, Roger Bell, the former chief financial officer of INEOS Sport, will be stepping in to replace Baty.
In response to the changes, Ratcliffe expressed his gratitude to Patrick and Cliff for their contributions to the club during the transition period. He acknowledged their assistance in familiarizing him with the organization and welcomed their decisions to pursue other opportunities as a new management team is established.
Ratliffe, the billionaire owner of INEOS, acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United in February, with plans to increase his ownership to 27.7%. This investment has triggered a series of substantial alterations within the club’s hierarchy, including the departure of former CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough.
As Ratcliffe’s ownership expands, he is exerting greater influence over United’s soccer operations. INEOS Sport representatives, such as Dave Brailsford and Blanc, have been added to the club’s board, further solidifying Ratcliffe’s presence. In light of these changes, the appointment of Omar Berrada and the hiring of Jason Wilcox as technical director signify a shift towards a new era under Ratcliffe’s ownership.
By aligning the club’s executive structure with Ratcliffe’s vision, Manchester United is poised to navigate a transformative period marked by strategic leadership and enhanced operational efficiency.