This is Part II of a three part series looking at the individual boards of each Premier League Club. It includes a detailed profile of each director.

Part I features Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and West Ham United

Part II features, Everton, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, AFC Bournemouth. Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Leeds United

Everton FC: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Everton Football Club, now under the ownership of The Friedkin Group since December 2024, has seen a significant restructuring of its board. The club reported a loss of £53.2 million for the 2023/24 financial period, a reduction from £89.1 million in the previous year, with turnover increasing to £186.9 million. The new ownership has initiated comprehensive refinancing and converted shareholder loans into equity to strengthen the club’s financial position.  

The board composition reflects this new era, with key figures from The Friedkin Group taking prominent roles, alongside long-serving club executives. This blend aims to provide both financial stability and continuity in club operations, particularly with the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which opens at the beginning of the 2025/26 season.  

Table: Everton FC Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: Colin George Chong

Current Role(s): Colin George Chong is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. He previously served as the club’s interim Chief Executive Officer and is the Stadium Development Director. He is also an Active Director of Everton Investments Limited and Goodison Park Stadium Limited.  

Appointed on: June 16, 2023.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Company Director.  

Career to Date: A construction industry specialist with over 35 years of experience, Colin Chong has overseen the successful delivery of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Before joining Everton in 2016 as Head of Estates for Goodison Park, he was involved in stadium redevelopments at Old Trafford and the Manchester Commonwealth Games stadium, as well as the build of the DW Stadium, Wigan. He also worked on the behalf of Everton to deliver Goodison’s Park End Stand, which opened in 1994.  

Director Profile: Thomas Dan Friedkin

Current Role(s): Thomas Dan Friedkin is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. He is the Chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, a privately held consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports, and adventure industries. He is also the owner and chairman of Serie A club AS Roma.  

Appointed on: March 24, 2025.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Friedkin co-formed 30WEST in 2017, an independent film production, distribution company, and sales agency. In 2018, he and 30WEST acquired majority ownership in Neon, a theatrical marketing and distribution company that distributed the Academy Award-winning film Parasite. He is also the co-founder and principal at Imperative Entertainment, a studio specialising in original entertainment across all platforms. Friedkin was a producer on over a dozen Imperative Entertainment films, including The Square and Killers of the Flower Moon. He also directed the 2019 film The Last Vermeer.  

Director Profile: Angus Robert Kinnear

Current Role(s): Angus Robert Kinnear is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. He was appointed Chief Executive of Everton in June 2025. He is also a Trustee of The Leeds United Foundation.  

Appointed on: June 11, 2025.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Kinnear has spent 25 years in the sports industry. He began his career managing Coca-Cola’s sports portfolio. He then served 10 years as Marketing and Sales Director of Arsenal, where he led their move to Emirates Stadium. Subsequently, he was Managing Director at West Ham. He served as Chief Executive of Leeds United from June 2017 until his departure in May 2025, following their promotion back to the Premier League. He has also served as a non-Executive Director of Commonwealth Games England and is currently Chairman of British Weightlifting.  

Director Profile: Analaura Moreira-Dunkel

Current Role(s): Analaura Moreira-Dunkel is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. She serves as the Finance Director of Everton and is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of The Friedkin Group. She is also an Active Director of Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited.  

Appointed on: December 18, 2024.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Finance Director.  

Previous Directorships: She was a Resigned Director of Copilot Capital Limited from April 2023 to October 2024. She was also listed as a director of AS Roma Group until her resignation in September 2020.  

Director Profile: Marcus Watts

Current Role(s): Marcus Watts is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. He is the President of The Friedkin Group. He was appointed Everton’s Executive Chairman in December 2024.  

Appointed on: December 18, 2024.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Prior to joining The Friedkin Group in 2011, Marc was Vice Chairman and Managing Partner-Houston of the law firm Locke Lord LLP, with over 26 years of experience in corporate and securities law. He is the Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch Board of Directors and the 2018 Board Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership. He serves on the Board of Service Corporation International and Highland Resources, Inc..  

Director Profile: Eric Williamson

Current Role(s): Eric Williamson is an Active Director of EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY, LIMITED. He is the President and General Manager of Gulf States Toyota, one of the world’s largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts. He is also an acting member of the Friedkin Executive Board that oversees all the Friedkin Automotive Companies. He is an acting Friedkin Executive Board Member of AS Roma Football Club and Imperative Entertainment.  

Appointed on: March 24, 2025.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Prior to his current role at Gulf States Toyota, Eric held several positions with The Friedkin Group, including Executive Vice President of Business Development. During his previous tenure at Gulf States Toyota, he held multiple positions across the organisation including Fleet Operations, Toyota Rent-a-Car, and Accessory Business Development, and Director of Marketing. He serves on the boards of Congaree Foundation and Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, as well as the Greater Houston Partnership’s Transportation Committee.  

 Crystal Palace FC: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Crystal Palace FC is owned by a consortium including Steve Parish, David Blitzer, John Textor and Josh Harris. The club has been back in the Premier League since the 2013/14 season. For the year ended June 30, 2023, Crystal Palace FC had a total operating revenue of £179.9 million. John Textor, is now a former director, officially leaving the club in June 2025, in a move aimed at benefiting Palace’s chances of playing in the UEFA Europa League.  

The board reflects a multi-club ownership model, with Blitzer and Harris having stakes in various sports franchises globally.

Table: Crystal Palace FC Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: David Scott Blitzer

Current Role(s): David Scott Blitzer is an Active Director of CPFC Limited. He is the Co-founder and Co-Managing Partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which includes the New Jersey Devils (NHL), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), and the Washington Commanders (NFL). He is also the Chairman of Blackstone’s tactical opportunities division.  

Appointed on: December 18, 2015.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Business Executive.  

Previous Directorships: Blitzer joined Blackstone in 1991 and headed their global Tactical Opportunities group from 2012 until transitioning to chairman in November 2024. He holds minority stakes in the Cleveland Guardians (MLB) and Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR). He also formed Global Football Holdings, which has invested in several European football clubs including Estoril Praia (Portugal), Alcorcón (Spain), Beveren (Belgium), FC Augsburg (Germany), ADO Den Haag (Netherlands), and Brøndby (Denmark). He serves on the Boards of Dream, the Riverdale Country School, the Advisory Board of the Mount Sinai Surgical Department, the Board of Overseers at the Wharton School, the Board of Trustees at University of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation.  

Director Profile: Joshua Jordan Harris

Current Role(s): Joshua Jordan Harris is an Active Director of CPFC Limited. He is a co-founder of the private equity firm Apollo Global Management and managing partner of the NBA team Philadelphia 76ers, the NHL team New Jersey Devils, and the NFL team Washington Commanders. He is also a general partner of Crystal Palace.  

Appointed on: December 18, 2015.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Business Executive.  

Previous Directorships: Harris worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert and then co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990. He stepped down as senior managing director at Apollo in January 2022 to focus on Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which he formed with David Blitzer in 2017. He is on the board of trustees of Mount Sinai Health System, Wharton, and Harvard Business School, and serves on the Council on Foreign Relations think tank.  

Director Profile: Steve Parish

Current Role(s): Steve Parish is an Active Director of CPFC Limited and serves as the Chairman of Crystal Palace F.C..  

Appointed on: June 1, 2010.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: CEO.  

Career to Date: Steve Parish led the consortium ‘CPFC 2010’ to acquire Crystal Palace in June 2010, saving the club from administration. He transformed his computer graphics company, Adplates Ltd, into Tag Worldwide, a global production powerhouse, which he sold in 2011. He became chairman and leading shareholder of Crystal Palace. Parish was a key figure in the return of Premier League football after the COVID-19 pandemic and opposed ‘Project Big Picture’ and the proposed European Super League.  

Nottingham Forest: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Nottingham Forest Football Club is owned by Evangelos Marinakis and Sokratis Kominakis. The club was promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years in 2021/22. The club’s financial results for 2021/22 showed an operating loss of £49.5 million, despite turnover increasing to £29.7 million.  

The board has seen recent changes, with Sokratis Kominakis stepping down as a director in February 2025, though he is still listed as an owner. Nicholas Randall KC, who previously served as Chairman, is now a non-executive director.  

Table: Nottingham Forest FC Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: Sokratis Kominakis

Current Role(s): Sokratis Kominakis is an Active Director of NOTTINGHAM FOREST FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He is also listed as an owner of Nottingham Forest.  

Appointed on: April 29, 2025.  

Nationality: Greek.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Owner.  

Previous Directorships: Mr. Kominakis has served in top managerial positions at multinational companies like Procter & Gamble, Kraft, Vodafone, and TIM. He became CEO of TIM Hellas in 2004. After leading the sale of TIM Hellas, he set up an investment consulting firm, Milos Advisors S.A. He is an active investor in shipping and real estate. He was Vice President of Olympiacos between July 2010 and May 2011. He was previously a Resigned Director of Nottingham Forest from November 2023 to February 2025.  

Director Profile: Nicholas Randall KC

Current Role(s): Nicholas Randall KC is an Active Director of NOTTINGHAM FOREST FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He serves as a non-executive director on the Club’s Board. He also remains a trustee of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust and continues his work as the Club’s representative on a number of FA and Premier League committees.  

Appointed on: August 23, 2017.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Barrister Queen’S Counsel.  

Previous Directorships: Nicholas Randall KC previously served as Chairman of Nottingham Forest from 2017 to August 2023. He practices in employment, sports, and pensions law. His sports work focuses on football, cricket, and rugby, with clients including Kevin Keegan, Sir Bobby Robson, Roy Keane, and Wayne Rooney. He regularly sits as an FA Arbitrator and is a member of the FA Premier League Panel and the Sports Dispute Resolution Panel.  

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Wolverhampton Wanderers is owned by Fosun International, with Jeff Shi serving as Executive Chairman. For the year ending May 31, 2024, the club reported a net loss of £14.3 million, a significant improvement from the £67.2 million loss in the previous year. Total revenue reached £177.7 million, primarily driven by higher broadcasting revenues.  

The board is composed of key figures from Fosun and long-standing club directors, reflecting a focus on strategic financial management and long-term competitiveness.

Table: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: John Ferguson Bowater

Current Role(s): John Ferguson Bowater is an Active Director of WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB (1986) LIMITED. He is also the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Aggregate Industries Ltd.  

Appointed on: October 6, 2006.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Co Director.  

Previous Directorships: Prior to joining Aggregate Industries in 2004, John was a director of Tarmac plc. He is also deputy chair of Governors at Thomas Telford School, a Governor of the Thomas Telford School Multi Academy Trust, and on the management board of St Dominic’s Grammar School, Brewood.  

Director Profile: John Gough

Current Role(s): John Gough is an Active Director of WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB (1986) LIMITED. He is also a Company Director of William Gough & Sons Limited and G.EVANS SERVICES LIMITED.  

Appointed on: July 31, 2006.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Company Director.  

Previous Directorships: John Gough served as a Director of Pacific Dunlop Board for 12 years, CSR Board for 5 years, and ANZ Board for 5 years, eventually becoming its Chairman. He was a Director of BHP for 14 years, and also of ICI, Amcor, and CSR. He was a Governor of The Ian Potter Foundation for 18 years and President of the National Gallery of Victoria. He was on the Board of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for 20 years and was a co-founder of The Melbourne Business School at The University of Melbourne.  

Director Profile: Yu Shi

Current Role(s): Yu Shi is an Active Director of WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB (1986) LIMITED. He serves as the Executive Chairman of Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

Appointed on: July 20, 2016.  

Nationality: Chinese.  

Country of Residence: China.  

Occupation: Company Director.  

Career to Date: As Executive Chairman, Jeff Shi is the primary representative of Fosun International’s ownership of Wolves. He is responsible for the club’s strategic direction and operations. He has emphasised the club’s ambition to compete beyond being a mid-table club and has been involved in rebuilding the team structure and refreshing the club’s culture.  

AFC Bournemouth: Board Structure and Key Personnel

AFC Bournemouth recorded a loss of £66.2 million in their 2023/24 annual accounts, a significant shift from a £44.5 million pre-tax profit in the previous year. Revenue grew to £170 million, primarily from television revenues, but increased wages and amortisation costs contributed to the loss. The club’s focus remains on improving football performance and developing supporting infrastructure, including a new state-of-the-art training facility.  

The board is led by Bill Foley, with a focus on strategic investment and commercial growth.

Table: AFC Bournemouth Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: Neill Christopher Blake

Current Role(s): Neill Christopher Blake is an Active Director of AFC BOURNEMOUTH LIMITED. He serves as the Chief Executive of AFC Bournemouth.  

Appointed on: December 7, 2021.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Arab Emirates.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: He was a Resigned Director of AFC Bournemouth Limited from June 2009 to April 2021. He also served as a Resigned Director of Dorset Community Radio Ltd and Dorchester Town Football Club Limited.  

Director Profile: Ryan Richard Caswell

Current Role(s): Ryan Richard Caswell is an Active Director of AFC BOURNEMOUTH LIMITED. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Cannae Holdings, Inc.. He is also an Active Director of The Hibernian Football Club Limited and Black Knight Football Club UK Limited.  

Appointed on: May 8, 2024.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Mr. Caswell previously served as President of Cannae Holdings from February 2023 to May 2025, and as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance from September 2020 to February 2023. He also serves, or has previously served, on the boards of Cannae investments including Watkins, Amerilife, CorroHealth, Black Knight Football, System1, and TripleTree Holdings. Prior to Cannae, he was a Managing Director in the Financial Institutions Group at BofA Securities and an investment banker at Bear Stearns.  

Director Profile: William P Foley II

Current Role(s): William P Foley II serves as the Chairman of AFC Bournemouth. He is the Executive Chairman of Dun & Bradstreet and Chairman of Cannae Holdings, Inc.. He is also the founder and owner of Foley Family Wines and Chairman of Foley Wines Ltd..  

Career to Date: Mr. Foley has a long and distinguished career in finance and business. He is a founder of Fidelity National Financial (FNF), serving as its Chairman since 1984 and previously as CEO and President. He is also Executive Chairman and CEO of Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL team). He served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain.  

Brentford FC: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Brentford FC’s financial results for the year ending June 2024 show consistent turnover at £166.5 million, but an operating loss of £29.2 million before player trading, primarily due to increased player wages, amortisation, and depreciation. The club generated a profit of £25.2 million from player disposals. The club achieved Category 2 academy status in 2024.  

The board is characterised by a mix of long-standing directors and individuals with expertise in finance, law, and sports business, reflecting the club’s data-driven approach and focus on sustainable growth.

Table: Brentford FC Board of Directors (Current)

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Director Profile: Clifford Crown

Current Role(s): Clifford Crown is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED and serves as the Chairman of Brentford Football Club.  

Appointed on: July 26, 2012.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Finance Director.  

Previous Directorships: Mr. Crown acts as Chief Financial Officer and business adviser to a number of companies in which Club owner Matthew Benham has a financial interest. He replaced Greg Dyke as Brentford Chairman at the end of the 2012/13 season. He is also Chairman of FC Midtjylland.  

Director Profile: Deji Adam Davies

Current Role(s): Deji Adam Davies is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED. He serves as a Managing Director and Non-Executive Director at Brentford Football Club. He is also the IAB Chair at The Football Association.  

Appointed on: August 1, 2021.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Managing Director.  

Previous Directorships: Mr. Davies has a significant background in the finance sector, having worked as a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan since August 2007. He was previously a Manager at Rothschild from 2003 to 2007. He also worked as an Executive at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2002-2003) and as an Intern at the Department for International Development (2001). He served as a Non-Executive Director at Future First from May 2010 to December 2022.  

Director Profile: Philip Robert Giles

Current Role(s): Philip Robert Giles is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED. He serves as the Sporting Director and Director of Sport at Brentford.  

Appointed on: September 12, 2016.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Sporting Director, Club Director.  

Previous Directorships: Phil Giles was appointed as co-director of football at Brentford in the summer of 2015, along with Rasmus Ankersen. Their responsibility was to oversee the football operations of the club, including player recruitment and technical staff. His early career involved working as a systems analyst with Rockwell International, developing digital simulation models for air-to-air missiles. He also held roles as an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Economics at Columbia University Graduate School of Business.  

Director Profile: Stuart Reginald Hatcher

Current Role(s): Stuart Reginald Hatcher is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED. He is also an Active LLP Member at Forsters LLP.  

Appointed on: February 3, 2023.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Solicitor.  

Previous Directorships: Stuart Hatcher is a corporate lawyer specialising in advising family-owned, owner-managed, and entrepreneur-led businesses. He is the elected Chair of Bees United (the Brentford Supporters Trust) and has advised owners and athletes on investments, M&A transactions, and shareholder agreements, acting on the acquisition, financing, and structuring of a number of sports clubs.  

Director Profile: Nityajit Saidev Raj

Current Role(s): Nityajit Saidev Raj is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED. He serves as General Counsel. He is also an Active Director of Best Intentions Analytics Limited and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.  

Appointed on: September 17, 2014.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Lawyer.  

Previous Directorships: Nity Raj has worked for Brentford FC Owner Matthew Benham at Smartodds for four years prior to his appointment to the board. He was General Counsel at Smartodds, joining in September 2010 after leaving internet giant AOL, where he had a long career in legal roles, specialising in intellectual property law and commercial contracts. He also served as a Resigned Director of Fish Neighbourhood Care, Smartodds Limited, MSPP Admin Limited, Iconic Worldwide Events Limited, AOL International Finance Limited, and Yahoo-UK Limited.  

Director Profile: Preeti Shetty

Current Role(s): Preeti Shetty is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED. She is the CEO of Upshot, a tech social enterprise that helps sports organisations manage and evidence their community work. She chairs the EDI Steering Group and sits on the Sustainability Advisory Group at Brentford FC.  

Appointed on: August 1, 2021.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: CEO.  

Previous Directorships: She is the Vice Chair of international development charity, Street Child United, a Founding Advisor of Ready Sport Global, and the co-founder of Valeur Sport, a platform aimed at building pay equity and transparency in the sports sector.  

Director Profile: Jonathan Peter Leslie Varney

Current Role(s): Jonathan Peter Leslie Varney is an Active Director of BRENTFORD FC LIMITED and serves as the Chief Executive of Brentford FC.  

Appointed on: July 26, 2022.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Chief Executive.  

Career to Date: Jon Varney has a track record of working in professional sport, specialising in commercial partnerships and media rights. He started his career at The Rugby Football Union. In the mid-1990’s, he managed Coca-Cola’s football sponsorships. He spent nine years at Premiership Rugby, responsible for income streams including broadcast revenue and sponsorship. He was a founding partner of Pitch International Commercial, working with football, rugby, and cricket federations. He became Chief Executive at Brentford FC in 2019 and has guided the Club through the pandemic, a stadium move, and their return to top-flight football. He was voted CEO of the Year in 2021 at the Football Business Awards.  

Brighton & Hove Albion: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Brighton & Hove Albion posted a sizeable profit of £73.9 million for their 2023/24 season, largely due to Europa League participation and significant player sales. This follows a record-breaking £112.8 million profit in 2022/23. The club’s wage-to-turnover ratio remained sustainable at 56%.  

The board is led by Chairman Tony Bloom, with a strong emphasis on financial sustainability and strategic player trading.

Table: Brighton & Hove Albion FC Board of Directors (Current)

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Director Profile: Paul Barber OBE

Current Role(s): Paul Barber is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE). He serves as Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion.  

Appointed on: June 18, 2012.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Paul Barber has held senior executive roles at The Football Association (Commercial Director and Director of Marketing and Communications), Tottenham Hotspur (Executive Director), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (CEO). He also served on the boards of The Football League and The FA Council. He was appointed OBE in 2023.  

Director Profile: Anthony Grant Bloom MBE

Current Role(s): Anthony Grant Bloom is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as the Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion.  

Appointed on: May 18, 2009.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: Tony Bloom became chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2009. He is a lifelong fan of the club, with his family having played an important role since the 1970s. He is the founder of Star Lizard, a football analytics and betting syndicate. He has personally financed the construction of the American Express Community Stadium and the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre. He was awarded an MBE in December 2023 for his services to football and Brighton & Hove.  

Director Profile: Raymond Alexander Bloom

Current Role(s): Raymond Alexander Bloom is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director.  

Appointed on: November 27, 1998.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Ray Bloom is the chairman and founder of the IMEX Group, which organises worldwide exhibitions for the incentive travel, meetings, and events industry. He previously built up EIBTM (European and Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition), which he sold in 1997. He has served on the Brighton & Hove Albion board since 1984.  

Director Profile: John Paul Brown

Current Role(s): John Paul Brown is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director.  

Appointed on: July 6, 2024.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: John Paul Brown is currently the chief executive officer of Swiss music rights company MusicBird. He has over 25 years of experience in various commercial leadership roles with companies including Sony Music, Spotify, HTC, and The Walt Disney Company. He is a digital transformation specialist and a qualified lawyer. He was a Resigned Director of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation from March 2019 to April 2023.  

Director Profile: Robert Francis Comer

Current Role(s): Robert Francis Comer is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director.  

Appointed on: August 11, 2006.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: Robert Comer started his working life with the Inland Revenue (HMRC) and became a tax inspector before leaving for private practice in 1989. In 1994, he formed his own accountancy practice, CCI. He was appointed company secretary of Brighton & Hove Albion in 2003 and joined the board in 2006.  

Director Profile: Lee William Cooper

Current Role(s): Lee William Cooper is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as the Finance Director. He also joined the Board of the Women’s and Girls’ team and became a Trustee of Albion in the Community (AITC).  

Appointed on: September 21, 2022.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Accountant.  

Previous Directorships: After qualifying as an Accountant, Lee Cooper joined West Bromwich Albion in 2016, leading their Finance function for 6 years and serving as a Trustee of the club’s charitable arm.  

Director Profile: Adam Stephen Franks

Current Role(s): Adam Stephen Franks is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director. He is currently chairman of Blue and White Capital, a single-family office that specialises in private and public equity investments.  

Appointed on: September 17, 2009.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Adam Franks qualified as a chartered accountant in 1996 and as a chartered financial analyst. He holds an MSc in sports management and business of football. He worked at KPMG and subsequently ING Barings before building and growing businesses relating to professional sports and financial markets. He is also a director of Blue Lizard Consulting Services Limited, Oxygen Conservation Limited, AGB Reading 2020 Limited, Abbingsworth Properties Limited, Deanway Properties (Brunswick) Limited, Deanway Properties (Sussex) Limited, Deanway Properties Limited, AGB (Church Road) Limited, and Blue Kingdom Investments (One) Limited.  

Director Profile: Peter Winston Patrick Godfrey

Current Role(s): Peter Winston Patrick Godfrey is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Vice Chairman. He is also the Chairman and founder of Godfrey Investment Group.  

Appointed on: September 1, 2010.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Prior to 2012, he served as President of the Global Network Services division for American Express. Before that, he held senior appointments at HSBC and was non-executive Chairman of a Mastercard region. He also assists and advises businesses including an international golf tour and supports charities like the Variety Club of Great Britain and Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation.  

Director Profile: Anna Jones

Current Role(s): Anna Jones is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director. In January 2024, she was appointed the first female chief executive of The Telegraph Media Group.  

Appointed on: July 6, 2024.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Anna Jones has held senior-level strategic and operational roles in media and entertainment. She was previously UK CEO of Hearst Magazine Company. She has held board roles at Universal Music Group and Telecom Italia (as chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee). She is currently chair of the Investment Committee at Mercuri, a seed-stage venture capital fund focused on media and technology. She co-founded AllBright, an education and networking organisation for working women, and Sharestyle, a digital marketplace.  

Director Profile: Paul James Mullen

Current Role(s): Paul James Mullen is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as the Chief Operating Officer. He is also a member of the club’s Women’s & Girls’ Board and a Trustee of Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation.  

Appointed on: July 1, 2021.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: Paul Mullen’s career in professional sport started as an apprentice with Sheffield Wednesday. He then worked on the administrative side for The FA, Vancouver Whitecaps, and the British Columbia Soccer Association. He joined Brighton & Hove Albion in April 2015 as head of football administration, becoming chief operating officer in July 2019, before being appointed to the board in June 2021.  

Director Profile: Rosemary Anne Read

Current Role(s): Rosemary Anne Read is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE). She will join the club’s main board as an executive director on June 1, 2025. She is the Head of People and Culture. She also sits on the board of trustees for the club’s foundation, as well as on the women’s board.  

Appointed on: June 1, 2025.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: Rose Read has worked for Brighton & Hove Albion for 15 years, having originally joined from Sussex County Cricket Club in May 2010. She led the recruitment and training as the club prepared to move to the American Express Stadium. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing the club’s values and has played a key role in the development of the club’s Vision 2030. Her career started as a trainee receptionist at an IT software company, where she progressed to overseeing employee issues and became a qualified HR specialist.  

Director Profile: Michelle Jane Walder

Current Role(s): Michelle Jane Walder is an Active Director of BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FOOTBALL CLUB, LIMITED (THE) and serves as a Non-Executive Director. She is also chair of the club’s women’s board.  

Appointed on: November 1, 2016.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: England.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Michelle Walder worked in HR in financial services (Commerzbank, Nomura, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein) before co-founding TXG in 2004, a leadership development consultancy where she is CEO. She is also a director at Hay Festival and Chair at the Migraine Trust.  

 Fulham FC: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Fulham Football Leisure Limited announced a loss of £33.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, with turnover reaching £186.2 million. The club is owned by Shahid Khan, who also owns the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.  

The board is characterised by strong family involvement and experienced executives from the sports and business sectors, reflecting a multi-sport ownership strategy.

Table: Fulham FC Board of Directors (Current)

Director Profile: David John Daly

Current Role(s): David John Daly is an Active Director of FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He is also an Active Director of Frasers Group PLC.  

Appointed on: August 15, 2016.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: David Daly specialises in retail properties. He was previously a Sales Director at Nike (UK) Limited from November 2009 to October 2011, and a Director at North West Merchandising Limited from June 2013 to August 2015. He also held a directorship at Zelus Sport Limited.  

Director Profile: Antony Rafiq Khan

Current Role(s): Antony Rafiq Khan is an Active Director of FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He serves as Vice Chairman/Director of Football Operations for Fulham. He is also the Chief Football Strategy Officer with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the founder, co-owner, president, CEO, executive producer, and head booker of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).  

Appointed on: March 27, 2017.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Career to Date: Tony Khan joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in July 2012. He was named Vice-Chairman and Director of Football Operations of Fulham in February 2017, overseeing player identification, evaluation, recruitment, and signing. He is known for his involvement in football analytics and research.  

Director Profile: Shahid Rafiq Khan

Current Role(s): Shahid Rafiq Khan is an Active Director of FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED and serves as the Chairman of Fulham FC. He is also the owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Flex-N-Gate.  

Appointed on: July 12, 2013.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Executive.  

Career to Date: Shahid Khan is a Pakistani-American billionaire businessman. He landed his first job at Flex-N-Gate, an auto supplier, and later bought the company, developing it into a global leader. He acquired the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and Fulham FC in 2013.  

Director Profile: Mark Lamping

Current Role(s): Mark Lamping is an Active Director of FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He serves as the President of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  

Appointed on: July 12, 2013.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: President, Jacksonville Jaguars.  

Previous Directorships: Lamping’s career highlights include 13 years as a marketing executive with Anheuser-Busch, 14 seasons as president of Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals, and four years as CEO of New Meadowlands Stadium Company, where he oversaw the construction and operation of MetLife Stadium. He is one of the few sports executives to have received both a Super Bowl ring and a World Series Championship ring. He currently serves on the boards of directors of the American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer, Jacksonville Civic Council, JAXUSA Policy Council, and Special Olympics Florida Advisory Council.  

Director Profile: Alistair Julian Mackintosh

Current Role(s): Alistair Julian Mackintosh is an Active Director of FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED and serves as the Chief Executive Officer. He is also an Active Director of Fulham Pier Limited, Motspur Park Limited, Fulham Football Leisure Limited, FL Property Management Limited, and Fulham Stadium Limited.  

Appointed on: March 31, 2009.  

Nationality: British.  

Country of Residence: United Kingdom.  

Occupation: Chief Executive Officer.  

Previous Directorships: Alistair Mackintosh joined Fulham FC as Chief Executive in 2008. He was previously Chief Executive at Manchester City Football Club for ten years, overseeing their journey from the Second Division to the Premier League and their move to the City of Manchester Stadium. He trained as a Chartered Accountant with PWC and spent several years working for Sony. He has also held Board positions at a radio station, a museum, a leisure centre group, and a charity.  

Leeds United FC: Board Structure and Key Personnel

Leeds United FC was relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2022/23 season. For the year ended June 30, 2024, the club reported a decrease in turnover from £190 million to £128 million due to reduced central distributions from the Premier League. Despite this, ticketing revenues increased by 2% to £30.7 million, and merchandise sales grew by 5.8% to £25.4 million. The club remained in the Championship for the 2024/25 season, but secured promotion for the 2025/26 season

The club is now solely owned by 49ers Enterprises, with Paraag Marathe becoming Chairman. The board reflects this new ownership, focusing on returning to the Premier League.  

Table: Leeds United FC Board of Directors (Current)

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Director Profile: Peter Simon Lowy

Current Role(s): Peter Simon Lowy is an Active Director of LEEDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED.  

Appointed on: June 7, 2021.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: He previously held various leadership positions in the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries, including at Merck & Co., Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. He was also a former director of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Campus Crest Communities, Inc., CRISPR Therapeutics AG, and McKesson Corporation.  

Director Profile: Paraag Vijay Marathe

Current Role(s): Paraag Vijay Marathe is an Active Director of LEEDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED. He serves as the Chairman of Leeds United. He is also the President of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the San Francisco 49ers.  

Appointed on: May 24, 2018.  

Nationality: American.  

Country of Residence: United States.  

Occupation: Director.  

Previous Directorships: Marathe has been with the 49ers for over 20 years, serving as chief contract negotiator and salary cap architect. He oversaw the development of Levi’s Stadium as team president (2014-2016) and COO (2010-2013). He previously served as the chairman of USA Cricket (2018-2023) and led the launch of Major League Cricket (MLC). He is a faculty member at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and sits on the Board of Directors for Andrea’s Voice and Project HEAL.