Paraag Marathe, a veteran executive who spent a quarter‑century with the San Francisco 49ers, announced that he will step down from his role to concentrate on the team’s European soccer initiatives.
Global Ambitions Take Shape
Marathe’s career with the franchise began in 1999 and evolved into a series of high‑impact positions, including president of football operations and executive vice president of football strategy. Under his guidance the organization negotiated major contracts, managed the salary cap and oversaw the move from Candlestick Park to the modern Levi’s Stadium, a venue that has since hosted two Super Bowls, a FIFA World Cup match and a College Football Playoff championship game.
In his new capacity, Marathe will supervise Leeds United of the English Premier League and Rangers Football Club of Scotland’s Premiership. Both clubs are owned by 49ers Enterprises, the business arm that has been expanding its footprint across the Atlantic.
The transition comes as the 49ers look to deepen their international presence. Team owner Jed York publicly praised Marathe’s two‑and‑a‑half‑decade contribution, emphasizing the executive’s role in shaping not only the club’s on‑field performance but also its global reputation.
The front office will also see changes on the domestic side. Brian Hampton, previously an assistant general manager, now serves as the team’s chief contract negotiator, while Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah, a former Minnesota Vikings executive, returns to the organization as vice president of personnel and strategy after a seven‑year stint in the team’s research and development department.