Juventus Appoints Damien Comolli as New CEO

Juventus has officially announced the appointment of Damien Comolli as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the club, following a recent board meeting held on Tuesday. This decision marks a swift advancement for Comolli, who joined Juventus just this past summer after a five-year tenure as president of Toulouse, where he successfully led the club back to Ligue 1 and secured European qualification.

Initially stepping in as general manager after the departure of Cristiano Giuntoli and his technical staff, Comolli’s role has now evolved as the board decided to eliminate the General Manager position entirely. This restructuring grants him full executive authority. The club’s official statement reflected this change: “The Board of Directors has appointed Damien Comolli as CEO, while simultaneously terminating the previous role of General Manager, thereby granting him administrative powers aligned with the previous structure.”

Comolli replaces Scanavino, whose term ended on November 7. His promotion positions him as the primary decision-maker for both corporate and sporting operations, placing him at the forefront of Juventus’ strategic restructuring during a crucial juncture for the club, both competitively and financially.

During his official presentation at the Allianz Stadium, Comolli made his competitive ambitions clear, stating, “I’m obsessed with winning; every day I think about how to achieve it. In a club like this, winning must be an obsession.” He also expressed his shared vision with Juventus’ ownership group, led by Exor chairman Elkann, asserting, “Elkann is passionate about football just like me; he always wants to win, and his commitment to Juve is tangible.” Comolli characterized this opportunity as both “a privilege and a great honor,” adding, “I approach it with ambition and modesty; our singular goal is to return to winning.”

Recognized for his meticulous planning and commitment to data-driven squad building, the former Liverpool and Tottenham sporting director’s appointment reflects Juventus’ desire to modernize its operational structure and reinforce the club’s identity after recent tumultuous seasons marked by board resignations, legal challenges, and inconsistent performances on the field.

In conjunction with Comolli’s promotion, the Juventus board has also confirmed the establishment of new committee assignments. The control and risk committee will include Fioranna Vittoria Negri, Antonio Belloni, and Guido de Boer, while the related-party transactions committee will feature Cappiello, Diva Moriani, and Negri.

The club reiterated its commitment to executive responsibilities in areas such as compliance, auditing, and sustainability. Stefano Cerrato will continue as the executive and Investor Relator, Mauro Plati remains responsible for risk and internal audit, and Greta Bodino will oversee people, culture, and ESG strategy. These internal confirmations aim to ensure continuity during this period of structural change and strategic realignment.

Comolli’s immediate challenge will be to navigate Juventus through the upcoming transfer window and finalize the club’s sporting leadership team. He is expected to confirm the appointment of a new sporting director, with Marco Ottolini, formerly of Genoa and previously part of Juventus’ scouting and loan department, as the leading candidate for the role.

On the pitch, Juventus is striving for a spot in the Champions League while stabilizing the squad after recent transitional seasons. Comolli’s focus will not only encompass recruitment but also the rebuilding of Juventus’ competitive identity and long-term financial sustainability.

The coming months will be crucial in assessing whether Comolli’s leadership can restore Juventus to their former status as a consistent trophy-winning force. The club faces significant strategic decisions ahead, including contract renewals, academy integration, and managing wage efficiencies, all while competing in Serie A and Europe.

Furthermore, the Turin side has recently appointed Luciano Spalletti to restore on-field stability following the dismissal of coach Ivan Juric earlier this month.