From Old Trafford to Underdogs: Ex-Man United Powerhouse Makes Shock Move to Stockport!
Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s new weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry — all in one place.
Stockport County boosts board with Matt McKie hire
Stockport County FC has appointed Matt McKie as a Non-Executive Director, aiming to accelerate the club’s ambitious off-field growth strategy.
The appointment, announced on May 28, means McKie will join Stockport County’s executive board. He’ll focus on boosting the club’s income from commercial deals and improving its brand, marketing and digital presence. He’ll also help with big-picture planning and support the marketing and commercial teams.
McKie has held senior roles at major organisations including EA Sports FIFA, Nike, the International Olympic Committee, and Manchester United.
“It’s a genuine privilege to join Stockport County as a Non-Executive Director at such a pivotal time,” McKie said.
“The Club’s history is incredibly rich, but it truly feels like the most exciting chapter is currently being written. County’s incredible recent trajectory is also converging with the town’s regeneration. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the Club and the community to rise together and establish themselves on the national sporting and cultural stage.”
Stockport County CEO Simon Wilson described the appointment as a “significant step forward” in the club’s efforts to compete off the pitch as it aims for Championship-level football.
“His impact has already been felt in his initial weeks with us; his innovative thinking, creativity, and deep understanding of the commercial side of the game make him an invaluable addition to the board.”
IOC names Pierre Ducrey as new sports director
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the appointment of Pierre Ducrey as its new Sports Director, effective 1 July 2025.
The announcement on May 26 marks an internal promotion for Ducrey, who has been with the IOC since 2003. He will succeed Kit McConnell, who is departing the organisation to become Chief Sport Officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.
Ducrey currently serves as Olympic Games Operations Director, where he has played a key role in the delivery of both the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games. His earlier work at the IOC spanned athlete-related projects, the Olympic programme and relations with International Federations.
In his new role, Ducrey will report to IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper and will work closely with International Federations, athletes, organising committees and key IOC Commissions such as those focused on health, medicine and science, and the Olympic Programme.
“ [Pierre’s] experience within the IOC and the Olympic Movement, and expertise in planning and delivering the Games and in stakeholder management, will be invaluable in the further development of the activities of the Sports Department,” said De Kepper.
“I would also like to thank Kit McConnell for the excellent work he has undertaken over more than 10 years. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and I look forward to pursuing our fruitful collaboration with both of them in their new roles.”
Kim Ng leads new softball league as MLB backs AUSL
Former Miami Marlins General Manager Kim Ng is back in the spotlight, this time as Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL).
On May 29, MLB announced a strategic investment in the AUSL, marking its first financial commitment to a professional women’s league. The partnership will include joint sales and marketing efforts, promotional support and broadcast coverage via MLB Network and MLB.com.
“As a part of our broader commitment to growing softball and creating more opportunities for women and girls in sports, this agreement reflects our confidence in Kim Ng’s leadership, the AUSL vision and the incredible talent of its athletes,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Ng, who made history as the first female GM in a major American men’s pro league, is now leading AUSL as it prepares to launch its inaugural season on June 7.
“Having worked at Major League Baseball for 10 years and having led that softball division, we were always trying to connect with the women’s side,” said Ng.
“To now be able to come and have Major League Baseball support women’s pro softball… just is so meaningful to me, and to so many other young women and girls playing the sport.”
Red Bull Italy SailGP Team becomes first female-led ownership group
The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team has become the first in the global racing league to be led by a female ownership group. The new consortium, announced on May 27, is headed by Assia Grazioli Venier, founding partner of Muse Capital and Muse Sport.
The group also includes luxury brand entrepreneur Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, who will serve as Chairman of the Board, and SailGP veteran Jimmy Spithill, who will act as CEO and Co-Owner of the team.
The investor group features business, media and entertainment figures such as actress Anne Hathaway and her husband Adam Shulman, Italian actress Miriam Leone and Alexander Gilkes, Co-Founder of Paddle8.
“Italy has an extraordinary sailing legacy, and our mission is to be a catalyst for its next phase. Muse Sport is honoured to lead this pivotal moment for our sport,” said Grazioli Venier.
