February 19 – At the age of just 23, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is the new chairman of English League One club Sunderland – a hugely supported club which in recent years has punched well below its weight – after his takeover was approved by the English Football League.
The youngest ever chairman in English football, Louis-Dreyfus is the son of Russian-born Swiss billionaire Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, chairperson of the Louis Dreyfus Group, who succeeded her French husband Robert in the role after he died in 2009 having owned French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille.
“Kyril’s commitment, acumen and integrity convinced us to accept his proposal,” said former Sunderland owner Stewart Donald who will retain a minority shareholding.
“His vision and desire to bring success back to Sunderland was obvious from the outset and his bid is the one that we feel gives the club the best chance of long-term success and sustainability.”
Sunderland, who lifted their last major trophy in 1973 when they won the FA Cup, are currently seventh in the third tier of the English game.
“Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Sunderland AFC’s history,” Louis-Dreyfus said on taking over the under-achieving club which vies with top-flight Newcastle for supremacy in the region.
“Although the current landscape facing football dictates that there are challenges to overcome, I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”
“I am proud to become a custodian of this esteemed institution, but I also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it.”
“I am confident that together we can weather the present storm and put solid foundations in place to bring sustainable and long-term success to the club.”
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