South Africa's prominent rugby franchise, the Sharks, recently underwent a major management shakeup that owner Marco Masotti described as “game-changing,” according to an article published on @rugby365com.
The changes include chief executive officer Eduardo Coetzee moving to MVM's London office in July and the appointment of new key personnel to drive the franchise forward.
Masotti's vision for the future of sharks
Marco Masotti, a Durban-born, New York-raised lawyer who led international investment consortium MVM Holdings' acquisition of a 51 per cent majority stake in the Sharks in January 2021, said these management changes had been “planned for some time”. .
In an interview with @rugby365com, Masotti expressed confidence in the team he has assembled to oversee the Sharks' operations.
“We have two adults on the ground,” Masotti said, including Sean Bryans, a Sharks board member and businessman who works closely with him, and an American businessman who was born and raised in South Africa. At home, he mentioned philanthropist Vincent Mai. .
Additionally, the Sharks recently hired Mike Leslie as their new chief brand officer, and his impact on the franchise's social media presence has already been noted, with Masotti calling it “game-changing.” are doing.
Find a new CEO
Following Eduardo Coetzee's move to London, the Sharks are currently searching for a suitable replacement for the CEO position. Masotti told @rugby365com he was looking for “the right person who shares our vision to be our next CEO”.
He said he prefers “young, energetic business people” who can take the business side of the franchise to the next level.
Coetzee’s new role in Europe
Outgoing CEO Eduardo Coetzee has been offered a new role within MVM's organization, which he describes as a “huge opportunity” for himself and his family. Coetzee will be based in London and will work with European sponsors to support the Sharks, while also working to strengthen the franchise's relationship with English Premiership club Saracens, in which MVM is also very interested. Mr Coetzee is expected to assume his new role on August 1st.
Sharks ownership structure
The ownership structure of the Sharks is such that MVM Holdings holds a majority stake of 51 per cent, with the remaining 49 per cent held by the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and pay-TV channels. The financial terms of the transaction, which took place in January 2021, remain confidential.
As the Sharks embark on a new chapter in their history, the management shake-up orchestrated by Marco Masotti and MVM Holdings represents a well-planned, innovative move designed to lead the franchise to success on and off the field. looks like.
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