Corporate Shift at the Vélodrome: Former Orange CEO Stéphane Richard Named President of Olympique de Marseille

Olympique de Marseille has officially entered a fresh era of corporate leadership. On Friday, April 10, 2026, club owner Frank McCourt announced that Stéphane Richard, former CEO of Orange, new president of OM, will take the helm of the Phocéen club.

The appointment marks a significant pivot in the club’s management strategy, moving away from the sports-centric executive model of the previous administration toward a high-level corporate approach. Richard, 64, was introduced during a press conference held by McCourt, signaling a desire to reorganize the club’s internal structures.

In my 15 years covering global sports—from the FIFA World Cup to the NFL Super Bowls—I have seen how the tension between sporting expertise and corporate governance can define a club’s trajectory. Marseille is now placing its bet on the latter, bringing in a seasoned executive to stabilize and steer one of France’s most volatile sporting institutions.

The End of the Longoria Era

Stéphane Richard succeeds Pablo Longoria, the Spanish football executive who served as president from February 26, 2021, until March 1, 2026. Longoria’s tenure was historic in its own right; he was the youngest president of the club in a century and, according to club records, the longest-serving president in the seat since Bernard Tapie, with the exception of Vincent Labrune.

Longoria, known for his deep scouting knowledge and tactical network—built from early days as a consultant for Radio Marca and a scout for Newcastle United—was sidelined by McCourt in late February as part of a broader reorganization plan. This move created a temporary vacuum in leadership, which was filled by interim president Alban Juster.

The transition from Longoria to Richard represents more than just a change in personnel; it is a change in philosophy. Where Longoria operated as a “football man” focused on recruitment and market analysis, Richard brings the experience of leading one of Europe’s largest telecommunications companies.

Who is Stéphane Richard?

At 64, Stéphane Richard is far removed from the typical profile of a Ligue 1 club president. His background is rooted in the upper echelons of French business. As the former head of Orange, he managed massive infrastructures and thousands of employees, a skill set that McCourt likely views as essential for the “reorganization” mentioned during the announcement.

Despite his corporate pedigree, Richard is not a stranger to the complexities of Marseille. His appointment follows weeks of suspense and speculation, eventually culminating in the official confirmation on April 10.

During the press conference, Richard was clear about his timeline. He will not step into the role immediately but will instead spend the coming months preparing for the transition. “I will only take up my functions at the beginning of July,” Richard stated. “I am going to prepare myself as best as possible for July 2, but this new period begins now.”

Timeline of the Transition

For those following the administrative shuffle at the Vélodrome, the timeline of the leadership change is as follows:

• February 2026: Pablo Longoria is sidelined as Frank McCourt begins reorganization efforts.
• March 1, 2026: Longoria’s official tenure as president ends.
• March – April 2026: Alban Juster serves as interim president to maintain operational continuity.
• April 10, 2026: Stéphane Richard is officially named the new president.
• July 2, 2026: Richard formally assumes his duties.

What This Means for Marseille

The appointment of a corporate heavyweight like Richard suggests that Frank McCourt is prioritizing institutional stability and financial restructuring. In the high-pressure environment of Marseille, where fan expectations are immense and the “hot seat” of the presidency is notoriously unstable, a leader with Richard’s experience in crisis management and large-scale operations could provide a necessary buffer.

However, the challenge for Richard will be bridging the gap between the boardroom and the pitch. Unlike Longoria, who lived and breathed the scouting world, Richard will need to rely on a strong sporting director to handle the nuances of player transfers and squad building. The success of this transition will depend on how Richard balances his corporate instincts with the unique, emotional demands of the Marseille faithful.

Note for global readers: The role of a club president in France often differs from the “General Manager” or “Owner” roles in American sports. The president acts as the primary executive officer reporting to the owner, handling both the business operations and the overarching sporting strategy.

Key Takeaways

• New Leadership: Stéphane Richard (64), former Orange CEO, is the new president of OM.
• Effective Date: Richard officially takes office on July 2, 2026.
• Previous Tenure: Pablo Longoria’s term ended March 1, 2026, after serving since February 2021.
• Interim Period: Alban Juster managed the club in the interim between Longoria’s exit and Richard’s appointment.
• Strategic Shift: The move signals a transition from a football-executive-led presidency to a corporate-led administration.

The next major checkpoint for the club will be July 2, when Stéphane Richard officially begins his tenure. Until then, the club remains in a transitional phase as it prepares for the new season under a new administrative philosophy.

Do you think a corporate leader is the right fit for the passion of Marseille, or should the club have stuck with a football executive? Let us grasp in the comments.