Why Manchester United have appointed Patrick Stewart as interim CEO

Why Manchester United have appointed Patrick Stewart as interim CEO

Man Utd have an interim CEO following confirmation of Richard Arnold’s departure from the club.

Manchester United are confident Patrick Stewart will be able to provide them with deep knowledge and stability as they begin their search for a new chief executive officer.

Stewart will take over as the club’s interim CEO after it was announced that Richard Arnold would step down from the role after 16 years with the club.

United insist Arnold is leaving the club on good terms, having transformed the club’s commercial operations, driven revenues to record levels and left strong foundations for the future.

The 52-year-old has been at United since 2007 and was appointed chief executive in February 2022, following Ed Woodward’s exit as executive vice chairman.

He is credited with driving huge commercial growth at the club and played an integral role in delivering the biggest kit deal in Premier League history following their renewal with Adidas, as well as a high-profile shirt sponsorship deal with with Qualcomm Snapdragon.

Stewart will replace Arnold on an interim basis, with former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc under consideration for a permanent role once the Ineos Group investment in the club is confirmed.

Stewart currently holds the role of club legal counsel and has been described as a ‘highly experienced and respected figure inside the club and across football.’

He brings 17 years of experience working across all aspects of the club and football to the role and he currently leads club liaison with a range of different governing bodies. His appointment on an interim basis allows the owners to take time to identify the right long-term choice for CEO.

Ratcliffe is expected to make further changes to the sporting structure after his minority stake is ratified, with speculation also surrounding John Murtough’s role as football director.