Manchester City Lose Their Top Commercial Executive to the Saudi Pro League
Al-Hilal have announced a significant appointment of Esteve Calzada after poaching him from treble winners Man City. This is a significant move given his experience as part of the City Football Group in the last 12 years.
Calzada will become Al-Hilal’s new chief executive from January having been regarded as one of the best in the business. He started at Barcelona before joining the City Football Group, where he has helped create the environment for Pep Guardiola to succeed as Man City manager.
The move shows that Saudi Pro League ambitions go beyond capturing world-class talent on the pitch. Instead, there is a focus on creating the optimal infrastructure and operational capacity to propel the growth of the SPL sustainably in the short, medium, and long term.
Calzada was part of the team that oversaw a record-breaking commercial success at Man City last year as the side went on to claim the treble; the record numbers showed that Man City achieved their highest-ever revenue.
Manchester City’s profits saw them named the most valuable football club in the Brand Finance Football 50 list. Manchester City’s commercial revenue was £341.4m, with broadcast revenue penned at £299.4m, and matchday revenue at £71.9m.
Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League have made a robust coup with the signing of Calzada.
