Leeds United announce signing of former Barnsley chief exec

Leeds United has announced the appointment of Ben Mansford as the club’s new chief executive.

Ben, who spent the last several years at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, will work alongside chairman Massimo Cellino and executive director Paul Bell as a key part of the management team at Elland Road.

Ben joined Barnsley in summer 2013 after six years as a director of Wasserman Media Group in Los Angeles, where he focused on talent representation and advising professional sports clubs.

Prior to his time in the US, Ben worked locally as a sports solicitor at Leeds-based law firm Walker Morris, specialising in sports-related legal matters and representing a wide range of professional athletes.

Massimo Cellino said: “I am very pleased to be welcoming Ben to Leeds United to join our expanding management team.

“It is important that we continue to grow our Football Club on and off the pitch, and I believe that Ben has the skills required to help us achieve our targets.

“He did a fantastic job at Barnsley and has an excellent reputation in the game.

“Ben’s arrival will now allow me to focus purely on my role as Chairman and the running of the Club. I look forward to working closely with him and Paul Bell at this exciting time for Leeds United.”

Ben added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Leeds United as their Chief Executive.

“Leeds is a city I know well and, throughout my career in football, I’ve experienced the atmosphere at Elland Road and the fantastic supporters the Club has. The chance to work to take this Club forward was one I had to take.

“I’d like to thank Patrick Cryne at Barnsley for the opportunity and support he has given me. What we achieved last year was nothing short of incredible and will forever live in the memory.

“I’m relishing getting started and meeting the staff, especially Garry Monk and his team. Everyone at Leeds United is truly committed to challenging to return to the Premier League and I can’t wait to play my part in that journey.”

Paul Bell, United’s executive director, concluded: “We are delighted to welcome Ben to Leeds United.

“His extensive football knowledge, contact network and experience within the game will be a real asset to the football operation and his appointment will further strengthen the executive team here at the Club.

“We have made positive progress off the field since the start of the year and we are committed to making Leeds United successful once again.

“Ben’s appointment will allow me and the senior management team to fully focus on growing the key commercial revenue streams at the Club and I look forward to working closely alongside Ben in the future.”