Santiago Cucci appointed interim executive chairman of Olympique Lyonnais

After 36 years of reign of Jean-Michel Aulas, Olympique Lyonnais will have a second president in three months. Santiago Cucci was indeed appointed interim executive chairman of the club on Thursday July 13, in a press release from OL Groupe and Eagle Football.

This 53-year-old Frenchman succeeds American businessman John Textor, owner of OL through Eagle Football. The latter himself occupied the interim function after the sidelining of Jean-Michel Aulas, on May 5. The American retains his role as chairman of the board of directors and general manager of the OL group.

“Mr. Cucci has contributed to the success of several global companies such as Levi Strauss and Dockers, of which he served as President for the past three years.“, the statement read. He joined Eagle Football in June as Chief Revenue Officer.

No football experience

“Throughout his professional career, Mr. Cucci has always maintained a direct connection with the world of football”, argue OL Groupe and Eagle Football. However, he never officially practiced in this environment. He will accompany the club “in the new stages to come, allowing the institution to evolve towards a more flexible and modern model”.

“John Textor has great ambitions for OL as part of the overall Eagle football project. My role is to be well surrounded and […] to define a strategy with the ownerexplained Mr. Cucci on July 6 during a meeting with the media. We have big resources but you have to be smart.”