AS Roma have appointed John Galantic as the club's new chief executive officer, the Serie A side announced on Wednesday, ending a two-year vacancy since Lina Souloukou's departure.
Galantic, an American-Swiss executive of Italian heritage, brings a wealth of experience from the luxury goods and automotive industries, having previously led Chanel's operations as president and chief operating officer for 16 years before serving as CEO of Tod's group until May 2026. His resume also includes board roles at Ferrari and Bacardi Limited, along with early career stints at Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, and Coty Beauty.
The appointment marks a homecoming of sorts for Galantic, who previously served on Roma's board of directors during the James Pallotta ownership era. In a statement released through the club, owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin expressed their conviction that Galantic is the right figure to steer the Giallorossi through their second century.
"John has led some of the world's most important global companies at the highest level, most recently here in Italy," the Friedkins said. "He knows Italian sport and business inside out, having served on the boards of AS Roma and Ferrari. An American and Swiss citizen of Italian origin, John has always been a Roma fan. He loves this city, understands its soul, knows its supporters and what this club means to them."
The new CEO inherits a club at a pivotal moment. Roma have secured Champions League football for the upcoming season — a significant achievement after a competitive campaign — and recently launched celebrations for the club's centenary on July 22.
Galantic's appointment concludes a lengthy search for a permanent CEO following Souloukou's resignation in the summer of 2024. His background in brand management and global corporate strategy will be central to the Friedkin family's ambitions for Roma, both on and off the pitch.
A graduate of Tufts University with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Galantic's career trajectory from consumer goods to luxury fashion to football administration reflects Roma's ambitions to build a globally competitive brand while maintaining its intensely local identity.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Roma/29-07-2026/roma-john-galantic-nuovo-ceo-del-club.shtml
- https://www.asroma.com/it/notizie/75709/john-galantic-nominato-chief-executive-officer-dellas-roma
