Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes another big change behind-the-scenes at Man United… as a former Chelsea and Man City employee switches to Old Trafford in a key role
- Mail Sport understands Toby Craig will play a key role at Manchester United
- Craig previously worked with Omar Berrada at Manchester City
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made another significant change as he continues to transform Manchester United’s off-pitch operations.
Mail Sport understands Toby Craig, formerly of Chelsea and Manchester City, will become Old Trafford’s new Chief Communications Officer.
Craig, who worked alongside new CEO Omar Berrada at the Etihad Stadium, will replace the outgoing Ellie Norman.
Norman joined United from Formula 1 in September 2022 and is now taking gardening leave before moving to a new role outside the club in October.
Although the job title remains the same, the role is believed to have changed significantly. While Norman was also in charge of marketing, brand, content and fan engagement, Craig’s focus will likely be on communications and public affairs.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made another big change behind the scenes at Manchester United
United appoints Toby Craig as its new Chief Communications Officer, someone who previously worked with new CEO Omar Berrada (pictured) at Manchester City
This move is in line with INEOS’ commitment to ensuring football, and what happens on the pitch is the priority under their watch.
United’s plans to build a new Old Trafford, or renovate the existing stadium, are also likely to play a major role in the reshaped position.
The news was relayed to United staff this morning (TUE). It is the latest development since Ratcliffe and INEOS took a 25 percent stake in January and began revamping the club’s internal workings in their bid to return them to the pinnacle of global football.
Craig spent eight years at City before leaving his role as director of corporate affairs to join Stamford Bridge in September 2022. At the end of last year he left Chelsea, where he was director of communications and public affairs.
Craig will report to Berrada when he joins United on July 13, but will start in his role on Wednesday.
Ratcliffe and INEOS are seeking to transform United’s workforce into a lean, high-performing business. As part of the process, they have made it mandatory for staff to work from the club’s offices in Manchester or London rather than from home. An email sent to employees last week offered early payment of an annual bonus should they not wish to return to the office and instead resign on Thursday.
