Tom Mahon takes role as Director of Premium at Co-op Live

Article posted by Coliseum, September 2^nd, 2026

Image: Co-op Live Arena / Tom Mahon

Tom Mahon has joined Co-op Live arena as Director of Premium after leaving his role as Chief Operating Officer at Burton Albion football club.

Burton Albion confirmed that COO Mahon left his role at the end of July, to take up a position outside of football, closer to his home in Manchester.

Mahon said in a LinkedIn post, “After 18 years in football it’s time to hang up the boots, for a year at least. Delighted to have joined the team at Co-op Live as Director of Premium. Lots of familiar faces being back in M11, some new ones to meet, and some big shows to deliver!”

The 23,500-capacity Co-op Live is an indoor arena in Manchester, England (UK) sited in the Etihad Campus (area of Sportcity, Manchester) next to the 60,000-seat Etihad Stadium. It opened on May 14^th, 2024 and is the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom by capacity.

During his 12 months with Burton Albion, Mahon oversaw a return to Championship level attendances, record retail revenues, significant additions to the matchday experience including the addition of the Barrel Yard by BXD, as well as an overhaul of the staff structure and many operating processes at the club.

Discussing his time at the Pirelli Stadium, Mahon said, “I have absolutely loved my time at Burton Albion. To be a part of the club during our 75^th anniversary, getting to know the fans, club partners and the people in the town has been a real privilege. We’ve had some amazing moments together, Mansfield on opening day, winning in Cardiff on a Tuesday night and of course a brilliant FA Cup run.

“I am also really grateful to the Fan Advisory Board and the Brewers Union for the positive engagement throughout my time, both great examples of fans and directors working together to strengthen relationships and fan experience.

“I must also thank the staff around the club for their effort and commitment in what was a period of significant change, and acknowledge the guidance and support of NFG, Wouter Gudde, and Ben Robinson.

“Significant change in my personal life with the arrival of my daughter means that I’ve had to re-evaluate my role. An opportunity was presented to me much closer to my home in Manchester, and I felt it was the right one for me and my family. I’ll always be a fan of the Brewers and can feel satisfied that I have made positive contributions in my time here.”

Burton Albion Chairman and CEO Wouter Gudde said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Tom for his work during the last year, he has overseen some big changes at the club and has demonstrated great leadership during this time.

“Looking ahead, the plan has always been to recruit a Chief Executive Officer, a role that Tom certainly would have been considered for, and now we will accelerate that process ahead of his departure in July.

“The recruitment process is now underway and once we make that appointment, my dual role will then become solely that of Chairman. I will act as the voice of the ownership group with the CEO will handling day-to-day operations at the Club.”

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