49ers’ Paraag Marathe joins Leeds United board of directors

Paraag Marathe serves many roles with the San Francisco 49ers. He is the EVP of football operations for the team, its chief contract negotiator, and the president of 49ers Enterprises. Now, Marathe is assuming a seat on the Leeds United board of directors, the team announced on Thursday morning.

49ers Enterprises is becoming a minority investor in the English soccer club, Leeds United.

"Paraag comes with a wealth of experience," said Leeds United club chairman Andrea Radrizzani. "We look forward to working with him and learning from his deep understanding of a sporting giant."

Marathe will bring his 18 years of experience with the 49ers to Leeds United.

"It is truly an honor to be invited to join the board of a football club as storied as Leeds United," said Marathe via a statement issued by the team. "I share the vision that Andrea has for returning Leeds United to greatness. I believe that the knowledge and experience we bring to the table combined with the hard work being done by Andrea and his talented team will make that vision a reality."

The collaboration is part of a larger business alliance with Leeds United's parent company, Aser, and 49ers Enterprises. The club will benefit from the Marathe and the 49ers' expertise in ticketing strategies, sponsorship and commercial opportunities, stadium development, technology, retail and merchandising, and sports development and training.

Marathe discussed the alliance with Leeds United. You can hear what he had to say below.