Cardinale explains why Milan are going ‘in house’ after Calvelli promotion: “Best in class execution”

Both Gerry Cardinale and Massimo Calvelli have shared their thoughts after the latter was named AC Milan’s new CEO.

In an official statement posted on the Milan website on Friday afternoon, Milan confirmed the news that had been rumoured for some time: Calvelli has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, replacing the outgoing Giorgio Furlani.

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In addition to the role with Milan – where he has been on the board since last year – Calvelli will continue as CEO International at RedBird Development Group and Operating Partner at RedBird Capital Partners. Prior to joining RedBird, Calvelli served in the same position with the ATP from 2020 to 2025.

As part of the statement, there were some comments from Gerry Cardinale, the Founder and Managing Partner of RedBird Capital Partners. In his words he may just have hinted at why internal promotions has been the trend across the board.

“Since joining RedBird last year, Massimo has distinguished himself as a leader and driver of organisational design that brings people together and establishes a culture of collaboration and professionalism,” he said.

“Massimo has co-led our investment in AC Milan along with RedBird partner David Castelblanco, both reporting to me. Our model at RedBird often requires our senior leadership to go ‘in house; in our most important investments to ensure best in class execution, especially in situations requiring change and innovation.

“Massimo has demonstrated an ability to be effective in all these areas as he integrated himself into AC Milan over the last year. The mandate is clear – we will play to win, instead of playing not to lose – in everything that AC Milan touches, but most importantly on the field.

“The entire organization at AC Milan will now benefit tremendously from his full time appointment and sense of urgency to bring a winning culture and results back to the Club.”

Massimo Calvelli also offered his words after being given the title, revealing his delight but acknowledging he assumes the role during a crucial period.

“The opportunity to lead AC Milan as it navigates this critical moment in its football trajectory as well as within the overall state of Italian football is something I take very seriously and with a profound sense of urgency,” he said.

“The mandate from Gerry is to bring a culture of winning and results both on and off the field back to AC Milan – a culture worthy of the heritage that the Club represents within the European football community and our over 600 million fans worldwide.

“I’ve had a full year working collaboratively with the senior leadership of the Club across all functions and have a hands on sense of what needs to be fixed and innovated.

“I’m personally excited to work closely with our new Head Coach Rúben Amorim and his team which are already integrated and working well with our existing senior football leadership.”