Paraag Marathe steps down from 49ers role to focus on Leeds United | OneFootball

Paraag Marathe is stepping down from his executive role at the San Francisco 49ers after 25 years to focus on Leeds United. According to Leeds Live, the move was planned as a career decision rather than any internal disagreement.

He will relinquish daily NFL responsibilities and concentrate on his chairmanship at Elland Road. The shift brings full-time strategic leadership to the West Yorkshire club.

In San Francisco, Marathe served as Executive Vice President of Football Operations and President of 49ers Enterprises. He oversaw salary-cap management, roster construction and sat on the NFL’s Future of Football Committee.

He played a central role in delivering Levi’s Stadium and built a reputation as a leading sports executive. His track record in complex projects and finance is widely recognised.

Leeds supporters stand to benefit from more hands-on leadership in long-term squad planning and daily operations. That approach contrasts with previous ownership regimes often criticised for neglecting the club.

A major priority will be guiding the redevelopment and expansion of Elland Road. Experience delivering modern venue infrastructure in California offers a roadmap for Leeds’ stadium ambitions.

Marathe continues to back Daniel Farke’s sporting plan with strong investment and a defined transfer strategy. Greater availability should tighten coordination between the boardroom and first-team operations.

Alongside Leeds, he will keep overseeing 49ers Enterprises’ wider sports portfolio, including a minor stake in Rangers. The switch reflects a broader pivot toward managing international football assets full time.

Source: Leeds Live