Inter Milan CEO joins Goals Soccer Centres board

Michael Bolingbroke

Inter Milan chief executive Michael Bolingbroke is joining East Kilbride-based Goals Soccer Centres as senior independent non-executive director on June 13.

Last week, Goals appointed casinos and pubs executive Mark Jones as its new chief executive officer following a turbulent year in which its share price has lost more than half of its value.

On Tuesday morning, Goals’ share price rose about 1.5%, giving it a current stock market value of around £62 million.

Prior to joining Inter Milan in 2014, Bolingbroke was chief operating officer of Manchester United.

“At Inter Milan, Michael has established a business culture and commercial strategy which has led to increases in both revenues and EBITDA, as well as significantly expanding the club’s international fan base,” said Goals in a statement.

Bolingbroke was previously a senior vice-president at Cirque du Soleil and a senior vice-president at The Jim Henson Company. He is a qualified chartered accountant.

Bolingbroke said: I am delighted to be joining Goals at this important time in its development.

“I am passionate about all forms of the game and pleased to now be involved in this fast-developing area of the sport.

“I look forward to helping the company realise its significant potential.”

Nick Basing, Goals Soccer Centres chairman, said: “He is an exceptional appointment as his outstanding career demonstrates and a perfect fit. 

“Goals is a market leading soccer based consumer business and Michael will bring significant experience and value, as we seek the many opportunities ahead of us.”

Goals’ new CEO Mark Jones, 55, will join the firm on July 1 from the Rank Group, where he was managing director of Grosvenor Casinos and sat on the company’s executive committee.