Real Betis Lands Experienced NBA Executive as New Business Director

Real Betis has taken a bold step, welcoming Emilio García Duarte to the club as their new Club Business Director. This appointment underscores the club’s ambition to elevate its commercial performance and competitive advantage within Spanish football. The move comes after a period of substantial financial growth.

García Duarte’s background is exceptionally strong. For over a decade and a half, he honed his skills and built a formidable reputation within the NBA, the world’s premier basketball league. His career was primarily dedicated to spearheading business development and revenue generation.

From Basketball to Football: A Strategic Move

His tenure with the NBA included significant roles in European sponsorships and, later, leading marketing efforts for Latin America. Crucially, his work in Latin America was pivotal to the NBA’s expansion and success in the region, driving unprecedented business results and transforming the league into a global powerhouse.

“Thanks to its ‘extensive knowledge and experience in the international sports industry and world reference competitions,’

Garcia Duarte will be instrumental in guiding Real Betis’s commercial strategy moving forward.

A Foundation of Academic Excellence

García Duarte’s credentials extend beyond his professional accomplishments. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Spain and a Diploma in Business Direction from Harvard Business School. Further augmenting his expertise, he’s completed post-graduate studies in leadership and senior management through the Kennedy Harvard School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

• Bachelor of Journalism: – Demonstrates strong communication and analytical skills.
• Harvard Business School Diploma: – Provides a solid foundation in business principles.
• MIT & Kennedy Harvard School Post-Graduate Degrees: – Highlights a commitment to continuous professional development and leadership acumen.

Context: Recent Club Developments

This hire follows a period of significant change within Real Betis’s leadership structure. In December 2023, Juan Useros departed the Business Directorate, succeeding Ramón Alarcón, who was appointed CEO in December 2022. These changes reflect the club’s proactive approach to optimizing its operations and solidifying its financial future.

Real Betis’s 2023-2024 season concluded with a remarkable profit of €321,983, doubling the previous year’s result of €170,674. This financial success was achieved through a strategic reduction in business volume – from €148.77 million in 2022-2023 to €138.61 million in the last fiscal year.
Recently, in September, the club finalized a refinancing deal with Goldman Sachs, securing €125 million in debt relief, which is expected to substantially improve the club’s financial standing. More details on the earnings can be found here.

Did you know? Real Betis’s impressive profit margin demonstrates the club’s ability to effectively manage its finances and capitalize on strategic investments.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Real Betis’s commercial initiatives in the coming seasons – this strategic appointment signals a commitment to sustained growth and competitiveness.

Call to Action: What do you think of this new hire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQ

• Q: Why is this appointment significant?
• A: It reflects Real Betis’s ambition to strengthen its commercial operations and become more competitive in the Spanish football landscape.
• Q: What is García Duarte’s background?
• A: He has extensive experience in the NBA, particularly in sponsorships and marketing, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth in Latin America.