“Mannaert (49) has been CEO at Club Brugge since March 2011. Under the leadership of the Verhaeghe-Mannaert duo and their management, Club grew to become the market leader in Belgium, with sporting and economic results going hand in hand,” says Club Brugge.
LITERALLY: This is the press release:
Vincent, who also served on the Pro League Board of Directors on behalf of the Club for many years and was Vice-Chairman of the Working Group Competitions at ECA, became national champion 5 times with Blauw-Zwart, vice national champion 4 times, won the Cup once of Belgium and 4 times the Super Cup. Club also played the group stage of the Champions League 6 times, where it played in the 1/8th final of the largest European competition for the first time in Club history this spring. In 12 years, Club Brugge’s equity increased by EUR 68 million to a total of EUR 81.6 million. For 9 seasons in a row, the financial year ended with a positive balance sheet and therefore a profit was made, while the sporting results were correspondingly. The construction of a state-of-the-art Basecamp in Knokke-Heist and the establishment of a successful youth and women’s football organization also focused on the future.
Vincent Mannaert will remain in post until the end of this season. Employees were informed earlier this afternoon. Chairman Bart Verhaeghe, together with the Board of Directors, will now take the time to find a suitable successor and will communicate further about this at the right time.
Vincent Mannaert: “The past 12 years were without a doubt the most intensive years of my life. It was an absolute honor, together with Bart, to lead this beautiful Club, the Club, and to help it grow again to its full potential. I have experienced unforgettable moments during those years, together with many colleagues, some of whom have become real friends. I thought long and hard before making this decision. I will remain involved with Blauw-Zwart as a shareholder, but as CEO I will pass on the torch and the time has come for other challenges.”
Bart Verhaeghe: “I have worked intensively with Vincent for 12 years and stood shoulder to shoulder. I think we can rightly say that we have returned Club Brugge to the place it deserves. I am extremely grateful to Vincent for what he has meant to the Club and am proud that I can call him my friend. I am pleased that he will remain involved with the Club as a shareholder. This organization is now strong enough not to be dependent on individuals. We have many talented, skilled and highly driven employees at all levels. I am now taking the time, together with my Board of Directors, to find a suitable successor so that the Club can continue to grow and be successful.”