Mannaert (49) has been CEO at Club Brugge since March 2011. Under the stewardship of the Verhaeghe-Mannaert duo and their management, Club grew to become the market leader in Belgium where both sporting and economic results went hand in hand.
Vincent, who sat on the Board of Directors of the Pro League on behalf of Club for many years and was vice-chairman of the Working Group Competitions at ECA, has won 5 national championships, was 4 times runner-up and lifted 1 Belgian Cup and 4 Super Cups with Blauw-Zwart. Club also played in the Champions League group stage six times and reached the 1/8th final of this biggest European club competition for the first time in Club history last spring. In 12 years at Club Brugge, equity increased by 68 million to a total of 81.6 million euros. For 9 seasons in a row, the financial year ended with a positive balance sheet and thus made a profit while sporting results were commensurate. With the construction of a state-of-the-art Basecamp in Knokke-Heist and the establishment of a successful youth and women's football operation, Club Brugge also focused on the future.
Vincent Mannaert will be staying until the end of this season. Staff were 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 honour to be able, 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 new challenges."
Bart Verhaeghe: "I worked intensively with Vincent the last 12 years where we stood shoulder to shoulder. I think we can rightly say that we have brought Club Brugge back to where it belongs. I am extremely grateful to Vincent for what he has meant to Club and proud to call him my friend. I am happy that he will remain involved with Club as a shareholder. This organisation is now strong enough not to depend on individuals. We have a lot of talented, skilled and highly driven staff at all levels. I will now take the time, together with my Board, to find a suitable successor so that Club can continue to grow and be successful."