Fenway Sports Group Announce Michael Edwards As CEO Of Football
Liverpool FC’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have announced that Michael Edwards will be joining the organisation in the role of CEO of Football.
The 44-year-old, who previously served as Sporting Director at the club until 2022, will assume a broad range of responsibilities including leading efforts to identify and recruit new leadership for Liverpool FC’s football operation, and supporting the growth of FSG in global football through additional investment and acquisition.
In this position, Edwards will report directly to FSG’s ownership group, led by Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, and President Mike Gordon.
Edwards previously oversaw a period of success which saw the team win seven major titles, including a UEFA Champions League trophy and ending a 30-year wait to become English topflight Champions.
“Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football and John, Tom, and I are absolutely thrilled to have secured his services for our business,” said FSG President Mike Gordon.
“He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit. It was clear when we initially reached out to him that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return to the industry. In this regard – and many others – his ambitions matched ours.
“As an organisation we constantly strive for improvement in our football operation, whether that be identifying fresh opportunities externally or areas for enhancement internally, and there is no better person to lead that ongoing process.
“In keeping with this objective, he will take over responsibilities I have previously held regarding oversight and management of Liverpool FC’s football operation.
“Fulfilling that role has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and handing it over and returning to a more traditional role in ownership is something I have been hoping to do for some time, but only if we could find the right individual or structure. In Michael we now have the ideal person to assume these responsibilities.
“I look forward to working with him again from my position within ownership, from where I will continue to lead engagement on matters relating to football.”
Speaking of his appointment Edwards, said: “I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG.
“I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.
“As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.
“With Liverpool FC, I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention.
“Also, in assuming this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.
“Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world. I am looking forward to getting started.”
Edwards will no longer work as a consultant to sports management business Ludonautics, where he has advised since it was established in 2023.
Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
