Lina Souloukou shakes up Nottingham Forest's leadership with new CEO role
- Lina Souloukou has been appointed as Nottingham Forest's CEO after a successful tenure at Olympiacos.
- She will influence operations across multiple clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis.
- Her leadership is expected to significantly contribute to Nottingham Forest's ambitions, including a return to European competition.
In England, Nottingham Forest appointed Lina Souloukou as their new chief executive officer on January 5, 2025. Souloukou, who previously worked as a legal advisor before rising to general manager at Olympiacos, brings a wealth of experience to Forest, especially in managing relationships and overseeing club operations. She is set to play a crucial role in Marinakis' multi-club model, which comprises Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Portuguese side Rio Ave. Souloukou's commitment to her responsibilities is highlighted by the trust placed in her to handle various aspects of the club's expanding operations. Before joining Nottingham Forest, Souloukou faced challenges at AS Roma, where she was the third CEO in less than three years. Despite her efforts to improve Roma's internal management, she left after experiencing fan criticism and dissatisfaction, particularly following the dismissal of club legend Daniele De Rossi. Although her tenure at Roma ended controversially, her expertise was recognized in the broader football community, leading Marinakis to appoint her as CEO at Forest. She aims to foster a stable and efficient working environment to enhance the club's performance. Nottingham Forest's current position in the league is promising, having recently achieved a best return in the pyramid since the 1995/96 season, with ambitions to secure a place in European competition. The team has displayed improvement in its performances under manager Nuno, with players like Morgan Gibbs-White and summer signing Nikola Milenkovic contributing significantly to their success. The astute hiring of Souloukou aligns with the club's aspirations for sustainable growth, aided by her experience in managing both operational and strategic aspects of a football club. Souloukou's role will involve influencing the sporting dynamics across Marinakis' clubs, poised to collaborate closely with new hires, including former Arsenal sporting director Edu. This collective effort is not only aimed at boosting Nottingham Forest's on-field performance but also streamlining operations across multiple clubs under Marinakis' ownership. As the club navigates through its current successes, the seamless integration of Souloukou's leadership will be pivotal in shaping Nottingham Forest's future direction, in pursuit of achieving European football once more.