Stéphane Richard to succeed Pablo Longoria as Marseille president | OneFootball

Stéphane Richard, the former Orange chief executive, has been appointed president of Olympique de Marseille, replacing Pablo Longoria. Owner Frank McCourt announced it at the Vélodrome, with Richard to take office on 2 July.

According to Le Progres, McCourt said Richard matched the brief and that the choice was straightforward. Alban Juster has been serving on an interim basis.

Richard, 64, led Orange from 2011 to 2022. He accepts he is not a football technician, but intends to be involved across the club, including the sporting side.

He studied in Marseille and keeps a home there. As Orange boss he put the company’s name on the Vélodrome.

McCourt wants business leadership to make OM profitable and sustainable, and sees Richard helping restore stability and calm. Richard aims to place OM among clubs competing in the Champions League every season while building a functioning team.

He also highlighted economic headwinds linked to broadcast rights and called for a period of seriousness and stability. McCourt remains open to a strategic partner but stressed he expects results on the pitch. Marseille are fourth in Ligue 1 in a turbulent season, with Longoria leaving in February after five years and head coach Roberto De Zerbi departing days earlier. McCourt confirmed director of football Medhi Benatia will leave at season’s end after agreeing to stay on until then. Benatia arrived in November 2023 as adviser to Longoria before taking the role.

Source: Le Progres