Francesco Calvo has resigned from Juventus and is set to join Premier League side Aston Villa as their new President of Business Operations. His resignation comes just two matches before the end of the Serie A season.
Calvo had served as Managing Director of Revenue and Institutional Relations at Juventus, playing a significant role in the club’s commercial strategy and institutional representation within Italian football.
Francesco Calvo Joins Aston Villa
Calvo is expected to replace Chris Heck at Aston Villa, who is stepping down at the end of May. The move is seen as part of Villa’s long-term growth strategy to boost commercial income and compete financially with the Premier League’s elite clubs.
Calvo will take charge of Aston Villa’s marketing, sponsorships, and overall commercial operations, building on his experience at top European clubs including Barcelona, Roma, and Juventus.
Juventus Director Resigns
The timing of Calvo’s resignation has surprised many within Juventus. With the club still battling for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, this executive exit comes during a high-stakes period for the club.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport reported that his sudden departure has “shaken” the club’s hierarchy, with board members now facing an urgent need to restructure Juventus’ commercial leadership.
His departure echoes another recent story involving former Juve leadership — Fabio Paratici’s surprising return to Tottenham after his AC Milan deal collapsed. The former Juventus Sporting Director is also set to re-enter the Premier League spotlight.
Who Will Replace Calvo at Juventus?
As part of the internal reshuffle, Giorgio Chiellini is expected to assume Francesco Calvo’s responsibilities with the FIGC (Italian Football Federation).
While Juventus must still find a new commercial director, Chiellini’s potential return to a senior executive role could offer continuity in institutional representation.
Chiellini’s deep ties to the club and respected stature within Italian football make him a logical choice for stepping into a more formalized leadership role.
Francesco Calvo’s Career
Calvo’s move to Aston Villa is backed by a wealth of experience across Europe’s biggest clubs:
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Juventus (2011–2014, 2022–2025) – Commercial Director, later Managing Director
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FC Barcelona – Chief Revenue Officer
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AS Roma – Chief Operating Officer, working with Monchi
His return to the Premier League aligns with Villa’s push to become a top commercial and sporting force in Europe.
Villa fans will hope Calvo brings success in sponsorship deals, an area Juventus struggled with this season after playing without a shirt sponsor.
What Calvo’s Resignation Means for Juventus’ Commercial Strategy
Juventus now face a crucial summer with a vacancy in one of their most important executive positions.
With the club under financial pressure and still recovering from off-field legal issues, finding a capable successor to lead commercial strategy and secure key sponsorships will be essential.
Reports suggest internal meetings are already underway to determine how to move forward with Calvo’s responsibilities split between interim figures and potential new hires.
