Mannaert (49) has been CEO at Club Brugge since March 2011. Under the reign of the Verhaeghe-Mannaert duo and their management, Club grew to become the market leader in Belgium where sporting and economic results went hand in hand.
Vincent, who on behalf of Club also sat on the Board of Directors of the Pro League for many years and was Vice-Chairman of the Working Group Competitions at ECA, became with Blauw-Zwart 5 times national champion, 4 times vice-champion, won once the Cup of Belgium and 4 times the Supercup. Club also played 6 times the group stage of the Champions League in which it played this spring for the first time in Club history in the 1/8th final of the biggest European competition. In 12 years of Club Brugge, equity increased by 68 million to a total of 81.6 million Euros. 9 seasons in a row the financial year was closed with a positive balance sheet and thus made a profit while the sporting results were corresponding. With the construction of a state-of-the-art Basecamp in Knokke-Heist and the establishment of a successful youth and women's soccer operation, there was also a commitment to the future.
Vincent Mannaert will remain in post until the end of this season. The staff was informed earlier this afternoon. President Bart Verhaeghe, together with the Board of Directors, will now take the time to find a suitable successor and will communicate further about this at the appropriate time.
Vincent Mannaert: "The past 12 years have undoubtedly been the most intense years of my life. It was an absolute honor, together with Bart, to lead this wonderful Club, THE Club, and to help it grow again to its full potential. I experienced unforgettable moments during those years, together with many colleagues, some of whom became real friends. I thought long and hard before making this decision. I will remain involved in Blauw-Zwart as a shareholder but as CEO I am passing on the torch and the time has come for other challenges."
Bart Verhaeghe: "I have worked intensively with Vincent for 12 years and stood shoulder to shoulder. I think we can rightly say that we have brought Club Brugge back to the place it deserves. I am extremely grateful to Vincent for what he has meant to Club and proud to call him my friend. I am pleased that he will continue to be involved with Club as a shareholder. This organization is now strong enough not to depend on individuals. We have a lot of talented, skilled and very driven employees at all levels. I will now take the time, together with my Board of Directors, to find a suitable successor so that Club can continue to grow and be successful."