Nottingham Forest appoints former Roma chief Lina Souloukou as new CEO

Nottingham Forest have appointed former AS Roma chief executive Lina Souloukou as their new CEO. The club has confirmed the news in an official statement today; also stating that Lina's tenure will commence on and from 5 January 2025.

Nottingham Forest is pleased to announce the appointment of Lina Souloukou as its new CEO, effective from 5 January 2025. 🤝

Souloukou rejoins Evangelos Marinakis' Multi-club group

Lina Souloukou holds a proven record in Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' books, with whom she previously worked at Olympiacos FC as general manager for four years.

As per reports from early December this year, Marinakis was keen to strengthen his management team and eyed to offer a consultancy role to Souloukou. 

However, Souloukou has joined the Nottingham Forest office as the CEO and she will also work with Marinakis' Muti-club group, which owns and oversees football operations at two other clubs other than Nottingham Forest; Greek side Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave. 

🚨 Former AS Roma CEO Lina Souloukou has signed in as new Nottingham Forest and Marinakis Multi Club group CEO.

The agreement with Evangelos Marinakis’ group will be effective from 5 January 2025. pic.twitter.com/gTkHOpgKdU

Souloukou joins Forest nearly three months after resigning from her position at AS Roma. Her tenure ended at Roma just four days after her controversial decision to sack the then-Roma coach and club legend Daniele De Rossi in September 2024, which left Roma fans furious.

However, Souloukou will supervise the strategic development of the Nottingham Forest team alongside Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson, and international sporting advisor Miran Pavlin. Forest is currently placed fourth in the Premier League table; having bagged 31 points in 17 matches this season so far. 

Official statement issued by Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest is pleased to announce the appointment of Lina Souloukou as its new CEO, effective from 5 January 2025.

The former CEO of AS Roma, Souloukou will oversee the strategic development of Forest, driving the Club’s long-term vision for success in the Premier League and European competitions.

With a strong legal background, Souloukou brings an exceptional understanding of the global football landscape and significant operational expertise. She held an influential position representing Olympiacos and AS Roma on the board of the European Club Association (ECA), championing diversity in the leadership of the European game, and has been instrumental in the growth and success of the clubs she has served during her career.

Speaking of the appointment, Evangelos Marinakis said:

We are delighted to welcome Lina Souloukou to our team. Her proven track record in football management and her passion and commitment align perfectly with our vision for Nottingham Forest and the wider group as we continue to push for greater success.

Lina Souloukou said:

I am honoured to rejoin Mr Marinakis’ football family. The opportunity to drive forward the success of Nottingham Forest and contribute the wider group is an exciting challenge. I look forward to starting work in the new year to deliver on our shared ambitions.