Lina Souloukou takes reins at Forest

Image: Nottingham Forest

Lina Souloukou has taken up her new role as CEO of high-flying Premier League club Nottingham Forest F.C. from the start of the year.

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

Club owner 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.”

With a strong legal background, Forest said 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.

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

The Athletic said Souloukou joined Olympiacos in 2016 as a legal advisor to Marinakis but, within a little more than two years, she progressed to the role of general manager.

That swift rise to effectively overseeing the running of the biggest club in Greek football — and the relationship of trust she forged with the Greek shipping and media magnate — is one of the reasons she has resumed working for him.

Souloukou has been given the title of Forest chief executive officer but will have an influence across Marinakis’ multi-club model, which includes Forest, Olympiacos and Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Forest have not had a CEO since the departure of Dane Murphy in January 2023.

During her previous role at Olympiacos, Souloukou built a strong reputation in Athens, flourishing amid the challenging environment of Greek football.

Aristidis Bouloubassis of the Olympiacos podcast, Gate 7 told The Athletic, “She would go to Greek Super League meetings on behalf of the club. At the time (between 2018 and 2023), she was the only female senior executive in Greek football. She would hold her own amid that male-dominated environment.

“She joined the club as a legal consultant. But by 2018, she had already reached the point where she was heavily involved in the running of the club, including contract negotiations with players. She was the one running a lot of things behind the scenes.

“She is an extremely intelligent woman and was very well respected. It says a lot that she is clearly trusted by Marinakis. You suspect that is a big part of why she is returning to work with him.”

Souloukou also forged strong links with Saudi Arabia, which helped the club raise significant funds in the transfer market. She helped negotiate a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Riyadh Season.

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