Aberdeen FC nets new commercial chief

Aberdeen Football Club has strengthened its off-pitch operations as it looks to deliver an ambitious programme of revenue growth.

As well as ramping up revenues from £14.5 million to £20m, the club has set two main goals – to become a European top 100 player and to deliver its £50m plans for a community sports hub, football training academy and new stadium.

In pursuing this growth and modernisation strategy, the club has appointed Robert Wicks as commercial director. He is said to have 17 years’ experience in sports marketing with “a proven track record in delivering successful transformational change and commercial strategies”.

Wicks will be responsible for increasing corporate, retail and ticket sales, as well as driving new revenue-generating initiatives. He is due to join the club in March from Powerboat P1 Management where he is managing director.

Wicks said: “I’m excited about joining the club, which has so much history and heritage but which is on the cusp of delivering real innovation in its commercial operations.

“Football and motorsports may not seem to have much in common but the sales and marketing principles and the drivers for change in a digital world are very similar. At AFC, Iwilldevelopacomprehensive commercial strategy which will broaden and strengthen sponsorships, enhance and develop social media engagement and adopt a customer/ fan centric approach.”

Chief executive Duncan Fraser said: “The club is in an enviable financial position.” 0 Robert Wicks is joining as club’s commercial director