Veteran 49ers President Al Guido is now the organization’s CEO, assuming the title owner Jed York had held since 2010.
Nothing on the team’s org chart will change. Guido will continue to report to York, who will now be referred to as the principal owner, along with head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch. Guido’s portfolio and his own direct reports also will continue.
Guido said the title bump is symbolic of the next era of the 49ers’ business growth, as the team looks to expand its international fan base and make the most of its strong current position in the NFL. After replacing Candlestick Park with Levi’s Stadium in 2014 and building out a robust revenue stream from major events there, including its second Super Bowl this Sunday and the FIFA World Cup this summer, the team is in the top 5 in revenue in NFL by most accounts and recently sold a 1% stake at a valuation eclipsing $9B.
“We’re not taking a breath at all,” Guido said. “The NFL’s seen significant growth on the business side, and so have the teams. I look at what we’ve accomplished from Candlestick to Levi’s, and where we are now in the pecking order. We have big aspirations. I like to think of us in the globe’s team. We’re just getting started.”
Guido has been with the 49ers since 2014, first serving as chief operating officer before becoming president in 2016. He also serves as CEO and chairman of Elevate Sports Ventures, founded in 2018 by the 49ers and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. His dual roles atop both a top-revenue tier NFL team and a large, diversified agency make him among the most plugged-in and sought-after executives in sports.
Guido said in the new structure, York may have more time to focus on 49ers Enterprises, including their interests in UK soccer teams Leeds United and Rangers FC, along with other coming investments.
In a statement, York praised Guido’s “vision, partnership and steady leadership.”
“The evolution of his role reflects how essential he has been to this organization and our confidence about what’s ahead,” York said.
Guido’s direct reports are: Brent Schoeb, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer; CFO Peter Wilhelm; EVP/General Counsel Jihad Beauchman; Chief People Officer Harpreet Basran.
