Nottingham Forest has officially confirmed the appointment of Lina Souloukou as their new chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 5, 2025. This decision marks a pivotal change for the Premier League club as it aims to solidify its presence within the top tier of English football and expand internationally.
Souloukou, who recently stepped down as CEO of AS Roma, will oversee strategic development initiatives at Nottingham Forest, which are particularly thrilling for fans and analysts alike. The team is currently performing well, sitting fourth in the Premier League standings. "We are delighted to welcome Lina Souloukou to our team. Her proven track record in football management, and her passion and commitment align perfectly with our vision for Nottingham Forest and the wider group as we continue to push for greater success," stated Evangelos Marinakis, the club's owner, who also shares historical ties with Souloukou from their time together at Olympiacos.
Souloukou brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous roles, particularly during her years at Olympiacos, where she served as CEO and was integral to the club's success. For four years, she played a pivotal role in managing Olympiacos before transitioning to AS Roma and making significant contributions there as well.
Her tenure at Roma, unfortunately, ended under controversial circumstances. Four days after the departure of well-loved coach Daniele De Rossi sparked fan discontent, Souloukou exited the club amid mounting pressure and criticism. Supporters blamed her for the tumultuous situation, which highlighted the often volatile environment of top-tier club management.
Despite this rocky departure, Souloukou has remained undeterred. "I am honored to rejoin Mr. Marinakis' football family. The opportunity to drive forward the success of Nottingham Forest and contribute to the wider group is an exciting challenge. I look forward to starting work to deliver on our shared ambitions," she expressed following the announcement, reflecting her enthusiasm for her new role.
Nottingham Forest has set ambitious goals for the future, not only to solidify their place as contenders within the Premier League but also to re-establish themselves as participants in European competitions. The addition of Souloukou as CEO appears to be part of this strategy, as her experience will be invaluable for both on-field successes and off-field growth.
Souloukou's hiring signifies Nottingham Forest's commitment to tapping top-tier talent to guide the club as it continues to build on its historical legacy. The club has been without a CEO since Dane Murphy's departure at the beginning of 2023, indicating the importance of this appointment as they reaffirm their ambitions.
Under Marinakis’ ownership, Nottingham Forest has been progressively working to amplify its global footprint. Souloukou’s prior accomplishments at both Olympiacos and Roma showcase her ability to navigate high-stakes environments, making her well-suited for the challenges and opportunities at Forest.
With Souloukou's expertise now on board, the football community will he watching closely to see how her leadership influences Nottingham Forest's direction. Her appointment not only brings fresh perspectives but also reinforces the vision for greater achievements within the club.
Overall, this leadership change is viewed with optimism as Forest seeks to integrate its rich history with modern aspirations, aiming for success both domestically and across European football.
