Manchester United Appoint Collette Roche as CEO of New Stadium Development
Manchester United have announced the appointment of Collette Roche to a newly created role as Chief Executive Officer of the club’s new stadium development, marking a major step in the long-anticipated transformation of Old Trafford.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with the club confirming that Roche will lead Manchester United’s involvement in the Old Trafford Regeneration project, a large-scale redevelopment plan aimed at modernising the iconic stadium and its surrounding areas.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time, following the official launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC) last Friday. The initiative is expected to drive long-term economic, social and infrastructural growth in the Old Trafford district.
In her new role, Roche will report directly to Manchester United’s Chief Executive Officer, Omar Berrada, as she oversees planning, stakeholder engagement and delivery of the ambitious project.
Reacting to the development, Roche expressed her excitement in a statement on the club’s website:
“I am incredibly proud to have been asked to lead the new stadium development and continue to work closely with the Mayoral Development Corporation and all our diverse stakeholders.”
The announcement also follows a morale-boosting weekend for the Red Devils, who secured a dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
Opinion: A Strategic Move Beyond the Pitch
Collette Roche’s appointment signals that Manchester United are thinking far beyond matchday results. While wins like the recent triumph over Arsenal lift spirits, the future of elite football clubs increasingly depends on infrastructure, fan experience and sustainable urban development.
Old Trafford is more than a stadium—it is a global landmark. Placing a dedicated CEO in charge of its regeneration shows the club’s intent to treat the project with the same seriousness as on-field success. Roche’s experience within the club also suggests continuity and an understanding of United’s heritage, something fans deeply care about.
If executed well, the new stadium development could redefine Manchester United’s identity for the next generation, blending history with modern innovation. For supporters, this is not just about bricks and steel—it is about preserving the soul of Old Trafford while preparing it for a future worthy of one of football’s biggest names.
