New man describes 'honour' of joining Aston Villa as major appointment confirmed

The 46-year-old Italian is replacing Chris Heck in what Villa believe is something of a coup, considering his experience working at several top European clubs.

Calvo joins from Juventus, where he has been managing director of revenue and football development for the past two seasons.

He first joined the Italian giants in 2011 as commercial director and also worked as chief revenue officer, before going on to hold prominent roles with Barcelona and Roma. 

Villa, who are eager to boost revenues to help cement their place back among the elite both in the Premier League and in Europe, believe he can assist in taking off-field operations to the next level.

“It is a great honour for me to join this club at such an exciting time,” said Calvo, who will officially take up his new position in July.

“Everyone in football knows the history of and passionate support for Aston Villa. 

“In the past few years, we’ve seen this begin to be matched by success on the pitch and progress off it under the ambitious ownership of V Sports. 

“I look forward to working with the chairman, the board, Unai Emery and everyone at Aston Villa to continue driving this great institution forward.”

Calvo, who worked as chief revenue officer for both Barcelona and Roma, was selected as Heck’s successor after an intense recruitment process. 

Villa are thought to have been attracted by his experience and in particular his knowledge of working at clubs with large, expectant fanbases.

Calvo’s extensive contacts book and history of working closely with Uefa during his time at previous clubs is also thought to have appealed.

He is already known to Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, from his time with Roma. That should also help in maintaining a strong relationship between the business and football sides of the club, something which is understood to have become strained during Heck’s tenure.

The latter officially left his post last week after two years at the club which coincided with huge success on the pitch, with Villa qualifying for the Champions League in 2024, but also saw a souring of relations between the hierarchy and supporters, with many of the latter frustrated at soaring ticket prices.

Villa’s revenues are thought to have been boosted by almost £100m this season thanks to their run to the Champions League quarter-finals, yet their failure to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition again will increase the importance of commercial deals next term.

Villa co-owner, Nassef Sawiris, said: “We are pleased to welcome Francesco Calvo to Aston Villa. He has an outstanding track record at some of Europe’s biggest clubs and brings a huge amount of experience. 

"Our ambition is for Aston Villa to be competing at the very top level in everything we do, both on and off the pitch. Francesco’s skills, relationships and experience will prove invaluable in making that ambition a reality.”