FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 March 2022
At today’s official announcement, held at St. Andrew’s Stadium, Pershing Square Management Founder & CEO, William Ackman, outlined the firm’s vision for Birmingham City:
Pershing Square will make immediate investments in stadium upgrades, training facilities, and youth development programmes.
2. Data-Driven Football Operations
The club will implement modern recruitment, analytics, and sports science methodologies to build a resilient squad and competitive playing style.
3. Supporter-Centric Governance
The new leadership team will maintain open lines of communication with fan groups and the broader Birmingham community to ensure transparency and shared purpose.
5 March 2022
PERSHING SQUARE MANAGEMENT COMPLETES TAKEOVER OF BIRMINGHAM CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
A New Era of Leadership and Long-Term Ambition Begins at St. Andrew’s
Birmingham, UK — Pershing Square Management is delighted to confirm the successful takeover of Birmingham City Football Club, effective 5 March 2022. This acquisition signals the beginning of a transformative new chapter for the Blues, driven by strategic investment, renewed ambition, and a leadership team committed to restoring the club’s stature on and off the pitch.At today’s official announcement, held at St. Andrew’s Stadium, Pershing Square Management Founder & CEO, William Ackman, outlined the firm’s vision for Birmingham City:
“This club has an incredible heritage and a supporter base that deserves stability, transparency, and a competitive footballing project. Our investment marks the start of a long-term plan to rebuild the club from a position of strength. The work begins today, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
New Leadership Structure
As part of the takeover, Pershing Square is introducing a modernized leadership team to guide the club through this new era:- Neils DeVos — Chairman
DeVos brings a sharp business acumen and global oversight experience, ensuring strong governance and a clear strategic direction for the club. - Jeremy Dale — Chief Executive Officer
Dale steps into the CEO role with a mandate to modernize operations, enhance commercial performance, and drive the club’s long-term organizational vision. - Garry Cook — Non-Executive Director & Senior Consultant
A respected figure in global sports leadership, Cook will provide strategic insight, operational guidance, and advisory support across all key areas of the club.
CEO Jeremy Dale echoed this vision:“It is an honour to lead Birmingham City into a new era. Our commitment is to earn the trust of the fans and deliver progress rooted in stability, professionalism, and ambition.”
Non-Executive Director Garry Cook added:“We are building a modern football club—one that values its community, invests in infrastructure, and strives for excellence in every department. Our goal is long-term success, not quick fixes.”
“Birmingham City is a club with enormous untapped potential. I look forward to helping shape a sustainable, competitive future alongside an ownership group focused on doing things the right way.”
Strategic Priorities for 2022 and Beyond
1. Financial Stability & Infrastructure ImprovementsPershing Square will make immediate investments in stadium upgrades, training facilities, and youth development programmes.
2. Data-Driven Football Operations
The club will implement modern recruitment, analytics, and sports science methodologies to build a resilient squad and competitive playing style.
3. Supporter-Centric Governance
The new leadership team will maintain open lines of communication with fan groups and the broader Birmingham community to ensure transparency and shared purpose.
A New Chapter for the Blues
Concluding the press event, William Ackman offered a message to all Birmingham City supporters:“This club belongs to its fans. With your passion and our commitment, we will restore pride to St. Andrew’s and build a future worthy of its history. Together, we begin this journey.”

