Rangers have appointed David French as their new chief commercial officer following his departure from the Aviva Stadium.
French announced his intention to step down from the role of chief executive of the Dublin venue earlier this year. He will now head up the commercial operation at Ibrox and is set to get down to business in the coming days.
The Rangers Review understands chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe, the vice-chairman, have finalised the recruitment process in recent weeks as they continue to take a hands-on role to reshaping the behind-the-scenes team. French will fill the position that has been vacant since the end of last term and Sean Jefferson's departure after an interim stint.
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French was appointed as CEO at the Aviva Stadium in November 2023 following a stint at Transport for Greater Manchester. Speaking of his decision to leave Ireland, French said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Aviva Stadium and work alongside the outstanding team here, as well as at the IRFU and FAI.
"I am proud of what we have achieved together over the past two years, from hosting unforgettable sporting occasions and major concerts to helping ensure that the Aviva Stadium remains a world-class venue at the heart of Irish life. I want to thank the Board, my colleagues, and our partners for their support, and I look forward to seeing the Aviva Stadium continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
French has a background in the commercial maximisation of stadia and was previously the general manager of the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. He also spent four years as director of venue at Old Trafford and worked for Nokia at their base in Helsinki.
The Rangers Review reported earlier this month that the club had launched a feasibility study to gauge interest in potential expansion of Ibrox and improvements to the matchday experience for supporters. French's background in that sector was an attraction for Cavenagh and Marathe and the new commercial chief will now join the executive structure to oversee ticketing, sponsorship, retail and hospitality.
The appointment of French is the first off-field move that has been made since the sackings of Patrick Stewart, the former chief executive officer, and former sporting director Kevin Thelwell last month. Rangers had agreed a deal for Jonathan Hunter-Barrett to join the club as head of academy but that arrangement was reversed following Thelwell's departure.
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