High profile US political figure reveals Leeds United connection with 49ers ownership group - YEP 19/7/23
Former White House chief of staff Jim Messina has revealed himself to be part of the 49ers’ ownership group which took full control of Leeds United earlier this week.
By Joe Donnohue
Messina worked under President Barack Obama as the United
States politician’s chief of staff at the White House in Washington D.C. between
2009 and 2011.
Tweeting on Tuesday evening, Messina said: “An incredible
honor to be part of the 49ers Enterprises’ ownership group of @LUFC! Thanks to
[chairman] Paraag [Marathe] and Collin [Meador] for including me. This has been
a lifetime goal of mine and I’m very excited about the future of this club!”
Several investors, including Messina and other high-profile
American personalities, have uncovered themselves as part of 49ers Enterprises’
investment group since the club officially changed hands on Monday.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, NBA star Russell Westbrook
and PGA Tour golfer Jordan Spieth are among the celebrity names now connected
to the Whites.
It is not thought the likes of Phelps, Westbrook, Spieth or
Messina will have a material impact on the day-to-day running of the club or
anything at boardroom level besides financing and minority shareholding.
Leeds’ board of directors features chairman 49ers lead
Marathe, retail magnate Peter Lowy – who along with Marathe has been a director
for the past couple of years – co-owner and vice president Rudy Cline-Thomas
and chief executive Angus Kinnear who remains in his post following the
transition of ownership.
