As Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks likely to become involved at Manchester United, we looked into Jean Claude Blanc, the potential new CEO.
While the Manchester United takeover isn’t expected to be imminent, it does seem likely. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring 25% of the club.
With this, he is expected to control all footballing operations and could re-structure the club’s sports department. One man tipped as having a prominent role is current INEOS Sport CEO Jean Claude Blanc, who could become United’s new chief executive.
Ratcliffe and Blanc are close, with the billionaire full of praise for Blanc when speaking with Nice OGC club media.
“I am delighted to welcome Jean Claude as CEO of INEOS Sport with his many years of experience across different sports.
“We have high ambitions for all our sports teams with a particular ambition to raise our standards in football and Jean Claude will bring an entrepreneurial and innovative flair to all our teams.”
But the question still stands, who is he?
Who is Jean Claude Blanc?
Blanc’s career in sport dates back to the Winter Olympics in France where he was the sales and marketing director from 1987 to 1992.
Blanc’s first footballing role came at Juventus when he became chairman in 2009 before transitioning into General Manager and CEO in 2010.
He played a vital role in fixing Juventus’ crippled finances and rebuilding the back-room staff and squad.
In 2011 he left the club, only to see them bear the fruits of his labour a year later, lifting the Scudetto.
Following this, he headed back to France where he became GM of PSG, where it is safe to say he succeeded.
He played a part in building PSG into the powerhouse it is now, and one of the world’s most marketable clubs.
After over 10 years of success with PSG, Blanc departed to join INEOS where he will no doubt play a pivotal role in the potential Ratcliffe takeover at Manchester United.
Who would he be replacing?
If it all comes off, Blanc would likely come in as CEO where he would replace Richard Arnold.
A smart businessman, Blanc would likely be tasked with re-building the structure at United above Erik ten Hag.
He will be tasked with improving club finances, renovating the facilities and stadium, cutting down wages and making United once more the most marketable club in the world.
Given his experience as an elite football business operator, we don’t see anyone better suited to the CEO role than Blanc.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
