CorSport: Fontanella-Khan up and running within Milan’s management – his background and role

By: Isak Möller

James Fontanella-Khan is up and running with his new position at AC Milan, following an interesting background which includes the former Rossoneri man Alberto Gilardino.

It was in the middle of September that various outlets reported that Fontanella-Khan was joining Milan’s management as the new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Two months have passed since and the 43-year-old is now up and running with his new gig.

He has been spotted among the top brass in the stands of San Siro during the most recent games and he was also present at the dinner Gerry Cardinale hosted before the derby. In other words, he’s not exactly working remotely, instead expected to spend most of his time in Milan.

Today’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) has taken a closer look at Fontanella-Khan, who has various valuable experiences to rely on in his new gig. Most recently, he was the US Financial Editor for the Financial Times, even moderating some conferences that Cardinale spoke at.

Before making waves in the US, however, he actually grew up in Italy and even played football himself. He was a goalkeeper in Piacenza’s youth team, reaching the Primavera of the club, and he was even a teammate of Alberto Gilardino (the former Milan striker) at one point.

After deciding that football wasn’t his path in life, he left Italy to start an internship for the Financial Times in London. He worked his way up and remained at the newspaper for over 20 years before accepting the Milan gig.

As for his role with Milan, according to Corriere dello Sport, he could be described as a General Manager. He handles communications, politics (he will be present at the League assemblies), and represents the club at various events.

Part of his goal is to connect the US mentality of the Rossoneri ownership with the Italian identity of the club, partly relying on his background as a footballer and Milan fan.