Leeds United Announces Elland Road Changes as 49ers Enterprises Implements Next Phase of Its Plan
Leeds United Reshuffles Boardroom, Adding Two New Faces from 49ers Enterprises as Rudy Cline-Thomas Steps Down as Vice-Chairman
Two new executives from 49ers Enterprises have been promoted to the Leeds United boardroom, with one ascending to vice-chairman at Elland Road. Andrew Schwartzberg and Eugene Schneur will join Paraag Marathe, Angus Kinnear, and Peter Lowy at the helm of the club.
As reported by The Athletic, Schwartzberg will take on the role of Marathe’s deputy, following Rudy Cline-Thomas’s decision to step back from his Leeds responsibilities. Both new appointees have had distinguished careers in the affordable housing sector in the United States.
Schwartzberg is also part of the majority ownership group of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Schneur, a former lawyer and now an investor, emigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union as a child. In 2003, he co-founded a real estate company with former New York Mets player Mo Vaughn.
A Leeds spokesperson told The Athletic: “Welcoming Andrew and Gene to the Leeds United board is an exciting moment for the club. They are experts in running successful businesses and will bring unique perspectives on how to run Leeds United.
“We are confident they will be valued members of the club and community, providing additional momentum as we continue our journey back to the Premier League.”
Although Cline-Thomas remains an investor in the 49ers group, he has stepped back from his active role at Leeds.
Schwartzberg’s bio on the club’s website states: “Andrew has built a career preserving affordable housing communities throughout the United States.
Through his companies Pennant Housing Group, SSC Partners, The Affordable Housing Management Group, and Subsidized Rental Housing Investments, he has collectively held an interest in over 25,000 low-and-moderate income rental housing units.
“He is also an active personal investor in public and private companies, focusing on the healthcare and biotech industries. He is part of the majority ownership group of the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.
“Before becoming an entrepreneur, Andrew held various investment banking and hedge fund leadership positions with Schroder Wertheim, Inc., SAC Capital Management, Inc., and Convergent Wealth Advisors.
He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
“Andrew and his wife, Jaime, live in Pacific Palisades, CA. They have three daughters, are active in their communities, support numerous charities, and are avid art collectors.”
