Manchester City confirm ex-Barcelona chief as CEO

Ferran Soriano (second from the left) pictured in 2008 with fellow Barcelona directors Toni Rovira, Claudia Vives-Fierro and Josep Vilaseca.

On the eve of the start of its defence of the Barclay's Premier League, Manchester City FC has appointed Ferran Soriano as the club's new chief executive.

Soriano, whose appointment has been an open secret for some months, is a former vice-chairman and chief executive at La Liga club FC Barcelona.

He is the replacement for Garry Cook, who resigned in September 2011. John Macbeath has been in an interim chief executive role since then.

Soriano arrives at City after completing his duties as the head of Spanair, a struggling Spanish airline. His first day at the club will be 1st September. He will work closely with City's new chief commercial officer Tom Glick, who begins work next week.

Announcing the appointment on Friday, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said,  “The process of finding a chief executive officer has been deliberate, far reaching and exhaustive.  

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"In Ferran we have our preferred candidate. His experience in football and in the wider commercial world make him exceptionally well equipped to lead Manchester City through its continued evolution."

Soriano added: "The vision of the owner together with his commitment, and that of the chairman and board, make this opportunity absolutely compelling.

"The club has incredible potential to be fulfilled both on and off the field. I very much look forward to playing my part to ensure that happens.”

City's title defence begins on Sunday 19th August with a home game against newly-promoted Southampton.