Ferrari heavyweight replaces Scott Barlow as Sydney FC chairman
Scott Barlow's 13-year tenure as Sydney FC chairman has come to an end as part of an 'evolution' aimed at increasing the A-League club's 'international profile'.
Ferrari Australasia president Dr Jan Voss, who joined the Sky Blues board last season, will replace Barlow as chairman.
Voss is fluent in five languages – English, German, Italian, French, and Dutch – and 'brings a global perspective and deep experience in brand, performance, and strategic growth'
As part of a 'broader strategic restructure', inaugural club chairman Walter Bugno returns to Sydney's board, while technology entrepreneur Sebastian Gray has also been added to the board.
'This is a pivotal moment for Sydney FC,' Voss said.
'I am honoured to be appointed chairman and to work alongside a board that is deeply passionate about football and our club's future.'
The club's ownership structure hasn't changed, with the Barlow family remaining as 98 per cent investors, with the other two per cent owned by the Crismale family and two other Australian shareholders.
'With a strong and stable ownership base and a renewed focus on innovation, commercial growth, and elite performance, Sydney FC is more ready than ever to embrace the challenges of the modern football landscape,' Voss said.
Barlow has not only departed as chairman but also as board member after two decades of service.
'I wish to thank Scott for his extraordinary leadership and commitment,' Voss said.
'His 13 years as chairman have laid the foundations for the club's next era of growth and international ambition.'
Gray – who co-founded Dugout, a digital media company co-owned by a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, and Manchester City – will strengthen Sydney's focus on 'innovation, digital engagement, and sustainable investment'.
Sydney's board also includes technical director Han Berger, Michael Crismale, Suzie Shaw, and Peter Paradise.
The Ufuk Talay-coached Sky Blues failed to reach this season's A-League finals series, finishing seventh on the ladder.
They reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two competition before being knocked out by Singapore club Lion City Sailors.
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