Barnsley Football Club has announced Gauthier Ganaye as its new Chief Executive following a comprehensive recruitment process.
Gauthier will join Barnsley FC on 12th June 2017 from French Club, Racing Club de Lens, located in Lens, the northern French city most famous for its coal mines.
He is currently Lens Director of Marketing and International Development and a member of its Executive Committee. He has held a number of positions at Lens including Head of Legal and General Secretary being responsible for all football administration operations including player contracts and international and domestic transfers. He also managed the football administration for arguably one of the best youth academies in France.
On his new role Gauthier said, “I want to thank the Owner and the Board for their trust in me. I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of a 130 year old institution like Barnsley FC.
"Coming from a mining area, I know what a club like Barnsley FC means to the community and fans. I understand the mining culture - people are modest, hardworking and loyal and I can assure you, this is how I will conduct myself as a Barnsley FC representative.
"I have had the opportunity to meet a number of people at the Club including Paul Heckingbottom and I am convinced that everybody is focused on driving the club to success both on and off the pitch.
"I am looking forward to starting at Oakwell and meeting the fans and employees and, of course, enjoying the experience of my first game there. Although I am not from Barnsley, I can assure you that I am very proud to become one of your own and have the opportunity to help the Club take the next steps to success."
Chairman Maurice Watkins CBE said, “The Owner and Board are very pleased to welcome Gauthier Ganaye to Oakwell as its new Chief Executive. We believe that with the all-round experience he has gained at Racing Club de Lens, Gauthier Ganaye will prove to be an excellent acquisition for Barnsley FC and will very quickly play a significant role in the running and development of the Club.”
