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Three members of Manchester United’s executive arm are set to leave the club this summer, reveals Simon Stone of the BBC.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed operational control of United following a “strategic review” that was initiated by the Glazers, there have been wholesale changes at executive level.
Richard Arnold vacated his role as chief executive, as did Patrick Stewart, who replaced him in an interim capacity. Before he temporarily became chief executive, Stewart was United’s chief legal counsel.
Other members of the top brass who have parted ways with the club over the past few months include Cliff Baty (chief financial officer), John Murtough (football director), Victoria Timpson (CEO of alliances and partnerships), Phil Lynch (CEO of Digital Products and Experiences) and Jackie Kay (Head of Team Operations).
Now, Stone reports that three more senior executives will leave this summer, including the individual responsible for the latest round of staff redundancies.
It’s understood that people and transformation director Annie Hale will leave United once the second redundancy programme – which will see up to 200 people lose their jobs – has come to an end.
Chief commercial development officer James Holroyd and commercial director Florence Lafaye are also due to depart in the summer.
Holroyd has been at United for more than 14 years while Lafaye is due to complete 13 years with the 20-time English champions in June.
Stone notes, “Club sources stress the trio are all leaving of their own accord, are not being forced out and are not part of the redundancy programme.”
Under Hale, United axed 250 staff last summer and as mentioned earlier, hundreds more are poised to be laid off in the coming months. Understandably, this may have taken its toll on her, with several colleagues being released.
Holroyd has been a key figure in the management of United’s 10-year deal with Adidas, worth a whooping £900m. This deal was announced in July 2023.
Meanwhile, Lafaye has played a crucial role in the expansion of United’s commercial division, helping the club land major deals with companies like Snapdragon.
BBC add, “Holroyd and Lafaye have been viewed as key figures in United’s expanding commercial arm, which has been widely praised.”
“Lafaye has helped generate new partnerships for United and, like Holroyd, was regarded as hugely influential in the club’s growth, with commercial revenues rising from £153m in 2013 to £302.9m, as announced in the latest annual figures to June 2024.”
The appointment of former Paris Saint-Germain executive Marc Armstrong as United’s new chief business officer last month resulted in a reduction of their responsibilities, ultimately prompting their decisions to leave Old Trafford.
United are back in action on Sunday when they host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Kick-off is at 16:30 GMT.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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