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.
Wimbledon names first ambassadors for charity initiatives
British tennis players Katie Boulter and Jack Draper have been named the first official Wimbledon Foundation Champions.
In these ambassador roles for the official charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships, the two tennis stars will aim to raise awareness of the charity’s work, such as helping the homeless and combating loneliness among older people.
“I’m incredibly proud to become a Wimbledon Foundation Champion. Growing up very close to the All England Club, it’s important to me to give back to my local community,” said Draper in an announcement on June 30.
“Inspired by my grandmother, I feel strongly about supporting older people, and with the Foundation, I’m able to do this as well as helping to inspire young people to achieve their goals too.”
Initiatives targeting young people are currently ongoing at this year’s Wimbledon, with Draper and Boulter having met four young people from charities nominated by the Wimbledon Foundation, who will perform the coin toss ceremonies at The Championships during finals weekend.
“I’m delighted to be named as a Wimbledon Foundation Champion. Wimbledon has always been a very special place to me. I’m excited to deepen my relationship with the All England Club by becoming a Champion for the Wimbledon Foundation, which does such important work helping people facing a wide range of issues in their lives, both in the local community and beyond,” said Boulter.
Nicola Verdun appointed CEO of FC Como Women
FC Como Women have appointed Nicola Verdun as CEO, as the club continues to make changes under Mercury 13.
Verdun announced his appointment on July 1 via LinkedIn, where he expressed his admiration for the two Mercury 13 Co-Founders, Victoire H. Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé.
“Since the early stage of their acquisition of the Club, for their vision, determination, and resilience in building something unique in women’s football. An asset class that is already growing globally both on and off the pitch,” the post read.
Verdun has experience on all sides of the sport, including commercial, sporting and finance sectors. Between 2012 and 2016, he held the role of Head of Global Partnerships at Juventus FC.
He then moved to Tifosy Capital & Advisory, where he moved up the ranks from Business Director to the Head of Business Development. Verdun will remain on the company’s board of directors during his time at Como Women.
This appointment marks the latest change under the ownership of Mercury 13, which acquired a controlling stake in March 2024. Since then, the group has aimed to boost the commercial profile of Como Women and champion women’s football.
Ben Johnson named head coach of Chicago Bears in landmark NFL appointment
Ben Johnson has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. The 38-year-old, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, steps into his first head coaching role within the NFL amid high expectations and a transformative moment for the Bears’ franchise.
Johnson’s appointment follows a period of rising stock within league circles, with his innovative approach to offensive playmaking earning praise in recent seasons. His leadership will now be tested in a more demanding environment as he looks to shape a young, evolving Bears roster led by top prospect Caleb Williams.
“I’m focused on building a team that reflects the resilience, energy, and commitment of this city,” Johnson said during his introductory remarks.
While supporters are optimistic, the hire also represents a calculated risk. Johnson has no prior head coaching experience and takes over a team still rebuilding its identity. With major roster decisions ahead, including questions around D’Andre Swift’s role, Johnson’s vision will come under early scrutiny.
Julien Stéphan named new QPR manager following Martí Cifuentes exit
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Julien Stéphan as the club’s new manager, following the departure of Martí Cifuentes at the end of June. The 44-year-old Frenchman takes the helm at Loftus Road after previous spells in Ligue 1 with Rennes and Strasbourg.
“I feel very proud and excited to join QPR,” said Stéphan. “There is something unique about English football… the intensity, the atmosphere, the passion of the fans.”
Stéphan is best known for leading Rennes to Coupe de France success in 2019 and for his reputation as a tactically astute, player-focused manager. His arrival signals a fresh start for QPR as they aim to re-establish themselves in the Championship after a period of instability.
While the club has not disclosed the terms of the contract, the appointment is seen as a statement of intent, with QPR banking on Stéphan’s top-flight experience and ability to work within tight resources.
Brentford promote Keith Andrews to head coach on three-year deal
Brentford have confirmed the appointment of Keith Andrews as their new head coach, following the departure of Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Andrews, who joined the club as a set-piece coach in 2024, steps into his first senior managerial role on a three-year contract running through 2028.
The internal promotion marks a bold move by Brentford, with the club opting for continuity over experience. While Andrews has no previous head coach record at top-flight level, he has held assistant roles with the Republic of Ireland national teams and worked at club level with MK Dons and Sheffield United.
“It’s an opportunity I feel I’m very capable of doing and ready to do,” Andrews told club media, praising Brentford’s strong internal culture and commitment to long-term development.
The appointment comes at a time of change for the club, which is expected to lose key players including captain Christian Norgaard and forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer. With pre-season looming, Andrews faces immediate challenges both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
Patrick Gregorio appointed chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission
Patrick “Pató” Gregorio has been named the new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), a move hailed by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino as a signal of renewed unity in the country’s sports governance. Gregorio becomes the 13th PSC chair since the agency’s formation in 1990, succeeding Richard Bachmann.
The appointment, confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, is seen as a continuation of Gregorio’s longstanding involvement across multiple sports, including basketball, boxing and rowing. His recent role as chef de mission for the Paris 2024 Olympics and co-leadership of the revived Tour of Luzon suggests an emphasis on continuity and collaboration within Philippine sport.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to find out how Kevin Durant’s investment in Paris Saint-Germain could signal a move into basketball, click HERE to read!
